FM-474 NOV

MANAGEMENT OF BEEL FISHERY: A SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO CHAPAIGACHI BEEL OF KUSHTIA
MS Thesis
NUSRAT ZAHAN
Department of Fisheries Management
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh
November (2013)
MANAGEMENT OF BEEL FISHERY: A SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO CHAPAIGACHI BEEL OF KUSHTIA
A Thesis
Submitted to
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science
In
Fisheries Management
By
NUSRAT ZAHAN
Roll No. 12FM JD-03M
Registration No. 32567 Session. 2005-06
Department of Fisheries Management
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh
November (2013)
MANAGEMENT OF BEEL FISHERY: A SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO CHAPAIGACHI BEEL OF KUSHTIA
Submitted to
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science
In
Fisheries Management
Approved as to style and contents by
(Prof. Dr. Md. Idris Miah)
(Prof. Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin)
Supervisor
Co- Supervisor
(Prof. Dr. Harunur Rashid)
Chairmen, Defence Committee
and
Head, Department of Fisheries Management
November (2013)
Dedicated To
My
Loving Daughter
Nuha
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful, praises be to Allah, Lord of the
Universe, blessings and salutations be upon His final prophet and messenger
Mohammad (SM). Many thanks and praises to Allah; the Omnipresent, to complete the
dissertation for the degree of MS in Fisheries Management.
The author feels profound to express her deepest sense of gratitude to her respected
teacher and research supervisor, Professor Dr. Md. Idris Miah, Department of
Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for his ever
remembering help, fruitful advice, technical dictation, scholastic supervision,
constructive criticisms and affectionate encouragement through the period of the
research. Despite heavy pressure of professional and academic involvement, he made
himself available where ever the researcher needed his help and co-operations.
The author also articulates her heartfelt gratitude, deepest sense of appreciation and
profound indebtedness to her co-supervisor Professor Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin,
Department
of
Fisheries
Management,
Bangladesh
Agricultural
University,
Mymensingh, for his scholastic guidance, innovative suggestions, valuable advice,
helpful criticism and untiring inspiration during the entire period of the research work.
The author also feels proud in expressing heartfelt respect and sincere gratitude to
Professor Dr. Nesar Ahmed, Chairman of the Examination Committee and Head,
Department
of
Fisheries
Management,
Bangladesh
Agricultural
University,
Mymensingh, for his kind advice and necessary instruction to improve this thesis.
The author acknowledges her indebtedness to all other respected and honorable teachers
of the Faculty of Fisheries in general and of the Department of Fisheries Management in
particular, for their love and affection during my entire period of study at this
University.
The author sincerely expresses her gratefulness to Professor Dr. Md. Aynul Islam,
Department of Economics, Islamic University, Kushtia and her husband Dr. A. K. M.
Nurul Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Al-Fiqh, Islamic University, Kushtia,
for their encouragement, co-operation and cordial help to improve the thesis manuscript.
v
The author wishes to express her deepest sense of respect to Additional District
Commissioner (Revenue), Kushtia, District Fisheries Officer of Kushtia and Upazilla
Fisheries Officer, Kushtia Sadar, for their cordial co-operation. She is also grateful to
other officials who helped her in different ways for data collection.
The author expresses her cordial thanks and gratitude to all the fishermen and local
people of the concern water bodies who helped her directly or indirectly during study
period.
The author keeps in memory the assistance and offers cordial thanks to all of her beloved
friends specially Bornali and Al-Imran for their kind co-operation and inspiration
throughout the work.
The author would like to acknowledge her heartiest gratitude to her beloved parents,
brother and sister for their enduring sacrifice, blessings, inspiration and encouragement
which paved the way of her time in this university.
The Author
vi
MANAGEMENT OF BEEL FISHERY: A SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
CHAPAIGACHI BEEL OF KUSHTIA
ABSTRACT
The present study was carried out with a view to observe the management system,
available freshwater fishes, natural abundance of fishes as well as the use of fishing
gears, fishing duration and the socio-economic status of the fishermen of
Chapaigachi Beel in Kushtia Sadar Upazilla, Kushtia, Bangladesh. A field
investigation was conducted on the existing status of fishery for six months from
May to October 2013. The beel is a closed Jalmohal of 289.77 acre and is being
managed since 1999 through leasing system for 3 years under Ministry of Land
(MoL). Currently the beel is leased out to “Nandia Matshayajibi Somobay Samity
Limited” at a cost of BDT. 17, 25, 000/- per year for three years starting from the
Bengali year 1420 to 1422. Mainly the carp fishes were stocked in the beel and
managed for four to five months. A total 68 species belong to 22 families under 9
orders were identified in the beel during study period. Within 68 recorded, 52 fishes
were SIS (Small Indigenous Species) and the rest 16 species were large where 5 of
them were exotic species. Highest 23 species belonged to the family Cyprinidae.
Various unknown migratory birds came around the beel area in the winter season.
Twenty(20) different kinds of fishing gears were identified under 5 major groups
including 8 nets (Khepla jal, Dura jal/Lathi jal, Chabi jal/Chak jal, Fash jal, Pait jal,
Khara jal, Thela jal and Ber jal/Kheta jal), 4 traps (Polo, Bitte/Autal, Icha
Chai/Duari and Kholsun/Charo), 4 spears (Aika/Akra, Teta, Konch and Thur
Konch), 3 hooks (Daun Borshi, Chip Borshi and Chara Borshi) and Khata/Zag
(FAD) in the beel. The highest and the lowest fishing duration recorded in Fash jal
and Thela jal respectively. The highest number of fishermen used Fash jal in the beel.
The maximum percentage (52.5%) of the fishermen had medium family, and 32.5%
fishermen of the age group of 31 to 40 years are mainly engaged in fishing. The half
55% fishers had low income (Tk.100-200). 46.5% of the fishers can sign their name
while about 22.5% of them are illiterate. Among the fishers 17% of the fishers had
primary level education. More than half 65% fishermen live Kacha house, 27.5%
and 7.5% fishermen live in Semi-pacca and Pacca house respectively. Three types
of fishermen engaged in fishing. Among them 24.04% fishermen are professional,
13.46% fishermen are seasonal and the rest 62.5% are subsistence fishermen. The
standard of living of fishermen is very low.
vii
CONTENTS
Chapter
Title
Page No.
TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL PAGE
i
ii-iii
iv
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Chapter I
Chapter II
v-vi
ABSTRACT
vii
CONTENTS
viii-x
LIST OF TABLES
xi
LIST OF FIGURES
xii
LIST OF PLATES
xiii
1-8
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objectives of the Study
8
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
9-18
2.1 Management of Beel Fishery
2.2 Species Composition
2.3 Fishing Gears
2.4 Socio-economic Conditions of Beel Fishermen
9-11
11-14
14-16
16-18
Chapter III MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Flow Chart of Methodology
3.2 Selection of the Study Area
3.2.1 Location and Description of The Chapaigachi Beel
3.3. Data Collection Period
3.4 Preparation of the Survey Schedule and
Questionnaires
3.5 Data Collection
3.5.1 Questionnaire Interview
3.5.2 Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
3.5.3 Cross-check Interview
3.5.4 Personal Observation
3.6 Data Processing and Analysis
3.7 Summarization, Tabulation, and Reliability of Data
3.8 Analytical Technique of the Study
Chapter IV RESULTS
19-28
20
21
21-23
24
24
24-25
25-26
26-27
27
28
28
28
28
29-59
4.1 Physical Structure of the Chapaigachi Beel
viii
29
CONTENTS (Contd)
Chapter
Title
4.2Management Regime of Chapaigachi Beel
Page No.
29-31
4.3 Hydrological Condition of the Chapaigachi Beel
31
4.3.1 Water Depth Variation of Chapaigachi Beel.
32
4.4 Biological Resources of the Beel
32
4.4.1 Fish Biodiversity in the Chapaigachi Beel
32-36
4.4.2 Bird Population of the Chapaigachi Beel
37
37-38
4.5 Types of Fishermen
4.6 Socio-Economic Conditions of Fishermen
38
4.6.1 Seasonal distribution of fishermen
38
4.6.2 Family Size
39
4.6.3 Age Structure
39-40
4.6.4 Income Level
40
4.6.5 Education Level
41
4.6.6 Housing Condition
4.6.7 Problems Faced by the Fishermen
4.7 Fishing Gears Used in the Chapaigachi Beel
4.8 Description of Fishing Gears
41-42
42
42-43
44
4.8.1 Fishing Nets
44
4.8.1.1
Khepla jal (Cast net)
44-45
4.8.1.2
4.8.1.3
Dura jal/Lathi jal /Boa jal (Drag
net)
Chabi jal /Chak jal (Falling net)
4.8.1.4
Fash jal/Current jal (Gill net)
4.8.1.5
Puti jal/Pait jal(Gill net)
4.8.1.6
Khara jal /Veshal jal (Lift net)
4.8.1.7
Thela jal (Push Net)
47
Ber jal/Kheta jal (Seine Net)
48
4.8.2 Traps
45
45
45-46
46
46-47
48
4.8.2.1
Polo
49
4.8.2.2
Kholsun/Charo
49
ix
CONTENTS (Contd)
Chapter
Title
4.8.2.3
Bitte/Autal
4.8.2.4
Icha Chai/ Duari
4.8.3 Wounding Gears/Spears
4.8.3.1
Konch
4.8.3.2
Thur Konch
4.8.3.3
Teta
4.8.3.4
Aika/Akra
49-50
50
50
51
51
51
4.8.4 Line and Hooks
51-52
52
4.8.4.1
Chip Borshi
52
4.8.4.2
Daun Borshi
52
4.8.4.3
Chara Bosrhi
53
4.8.5 Description of FAD/Zag
4.8.5.1
Chapter V
Page No.
Khata/Zag
53
53
56
4.9 Species Availability in Commonly Used Fishing
Gears
4.10 Number of Fishing Gears Observed in a Day
in Operation
4.11 Fishing Duration of Every Single Gear
Observed in a Day
4.12 Fishing Gears Used By the Different Number
Fishers
4.13 Fishing Craft
57-58
DISCUSSION
60-64
5.1 Biodiversity of Fish in Chapaigachi Beel
5.1.1 Species Composition
5.2 Fishing Gears
5.3 Fishing Duration
57
58
59
60
60-61
61-62
62
5.4 Fisher Types and Their Socio-Economic
Conditions
5.5 Management regime of Chapaigachi beel
Chapter VI CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
62-63
64
65-67
REFERENCES
68-73
APPENDIX
74-75
x
xi
LIST OF TABLES
Table
No.
Title
Page No.
4.1
Hydrological condition of the river-floodplain-beel
31
4.2
Available fish and prawn species in Chapaigachi beel
33-36
4.3
Distribution of family size of samples of fishermen of
Chapaigachi beel
39
4.4
Distribution of age group of sampled fishermen of
Chapaigachi beel
40
4.5
Fishing gears used in Chapaigachi beel
43
4.6
Major fish species caught by different fishing gears in
Chapaigachi beel
56
4.7
Number of fishing gears observed in a day in
operation
57
4.8
Fishing duration of every single gear observed in a day
58
xi
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE
NO.
TITLE
PAGE
NO.
1.1
Annual changes in fish production in beels over
13 years (DoF, 2013)
4
3.1
Design of the research and methodology
20
3.2
Map of Kushtia District
22
3.3
23
3.4
Location of the study area is marked with the black
curved left arrow in Kushtia Sadar Upazila Map
Data collection methods from fishermen
4.1
Management flow chart practiced in Chapaigachi beel
30
4.2
Water depth fluctuations of the Chapaigachi beel in 2013
(from January to December)
The number of fish species found under different
families during study period in Chapaigachi beel
The distribution of fishermen by season in the
Chapaigachi beel
32
4.5
Distribution of fishermen according to their daily income
40
4.6
Distribution of fishermen according to their education
level
Distribution of fishermen according to their housing
condition
41
Percentage of fishermen used different fishing gears in
the Chapaigachi beel
58
4.3
4.4
4.7
4.8
xii
25
37
38
42
LIST OF PLATES
Plate No.
Title of the Plate
Page No.
3.1
A snap short of the Chapaigachi beel
21
3.2
Data collection by questionnaire interview
26
3.3
Focus Group Discussion with fishermen
27
3.4
Cross-check interview with local leader
27
4.1
Khepla jal
54
4.2
Chak/Chabi jal
54
4.3
Fash jal/Current jal
54
4.4
Pait jal
54
4.5
Ghaghri jal
54
4.6
Khara jal
54
4.7
Thela jal
55
4.8
Ber jal
55
4.9
Charo/Kholsan
55
4.10
Bitte/Autal
55
4.11
Icha Chai/Duari
55
4.12
Thur Koach
55
4.13
Teta
56
4.14
Daon Borshi
56
4.15
Dingi nauka
59
4.16
Talar nauka
59
xiii
ABBREVIATIONS
AC
ADC
BCAS
BDT
BFRI
CBFM
cm
CPEU
DC
DFO
DoF
FAD
FAO
FAP
FFP
FE
ft
GDP
ha
hr
IUCN
kg
km
m
MACH
MAEP
mg
min
mm
MoL
MoFL
mt
Rs
SIS
sq
Tk
UFO
UNDP
UNO
WFC
yr
Assistant Commissioner
Additional District Commissioner
Bangladesh Centre for Advance Studies
Bangladeshi Taka
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute
community based fisheries management
Centimeter
Catch Per Unit Effort
Deputy Commissioner
District Fisheries Officer
Department of Fisheries
Fish Aggregation Device
Fisheries and Agriculture Organization
Flood Action Plan
Fourth Fisheries Project
The Financial Express
Feet
Gross domestic Product
Hectare
Hour
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Kilogram
Kilometer
Meter
Management of Aquatic Ecosystems through
Community Husbandry
Mymensingh Aquaculture Extension Project
Milligram
Minute
Millimeter
Ministry of Land
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
Metric ton
Rupees
Small Indigenous Species
Square
Taka (Bangladesh currency)
Upazila Fisheries Officer
United Nations Development Programme
Upazila Nirbahi Officer
World Fish Center
Year
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh is a south Asian country located in between latitude 20°34' and
26°38' north and longitude 88°01' and 92°41' east. The area of the country is
147,570 square kilometers (56,977 square miles). It is a densely populated
country of 160 million people, together with widespread poverty. Bangladesh
possesses enormous area of wetlands including rivers and streams, freshwater
lakes and marshes, haors, baors, beels, water storage reservoirs, fish ponds,
flooded cultivated fields and estuarine systems with extensive mangrove
swamps. The haors, baors, beels and jheels are of fluvial origin and are
commonly identified as freshwater wetlands. These freshwater wetlands
occupy four landscape units - floodplains, freshwater marshes, lakes and
swamp forests. Bangladesh is estimated to possess seven to eight million
hectares of wetlands in the form of permanent rivers and streams (8,53,863
hectares), estuarine and mangrove swamps (1,77,700 ha), beel (1,14,161 ha),
kaptai lake (68,800 ha), baor (5,488 ha), large reservoirs (27,10,766 ha), small
ponds and tanks (3,71,309 ha), shrimp ponds (2, 75,232 ha) seasonally flooded
floodplains(1, 22.026 ha) (DoF, 2013).
The economy of the country is agro based and about 80% people live in rural
area. Fisheries as a sub-sector of agriculture play an important role in nutrition,
income, employment and export earnings in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has
extensive and highly diversified fisheries resources. In 2011-12 fiscal year, total
fish production is 3.261 million tones, of which culture fisheries accounts for
52.92% (17, 26,067 mt) and capture fishery contribute 29.34% (9, 57,095 mt).
Fisheries sector contributed 4.39% to national GDP and 22.76% to the
agricultural GDP and 2.46% to foreign exchange earnings by exporting fish
products. Fish provides 60% of national animal protein consumption (DoF,
2013). In particular, it contributes to food security as per the National Food
Policy 2006, through supply of nutritious food, employment and income
generation. The total fishermen of Bangladesh are 13.16 lakh including 5.16 lakh
1
marine fishermen. About 10% of the total population is directly or indirectly
employed in fisheries sector.
The country is a transitional zone of flora and fauna, because of its geographical
settings and climatic characteristics. It is natural that the water resources of the
existing extent and magnitude should harbor and support populations of a
large variety of vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic living organisms.
Bangladesh’s water bodies are known to be the habitat of 265 freshwater fishes
(Rahman, 2005), 475 marine fishes, 23 exotic fishes and a number of other
vertebrates and invertebrates. There are approximately 25 types of tortoises and
turtles, 150 species of water fowls, 50 species of reptiles, 24 species of mammals
and 8 species of amphibians are found in Bangladesh (Ali, 1991; World Bank,
1991; MAEP, 1996).
Fish is an important traditional food item in the diet of the people of
Bangladesh. The proverb goes “Machhe Bhate Bangalee” which means that
Bangladeshis (Bangalee) live on fish and rice indicating the importance of fish.
After China and India, Bangladesh is the third largest country in the world in
inland fisheries. Annual flooding during the rainy season inundates up to 60%
of the total land surface. Inland fisheries alone cover an area of 4.6 million ha of
which 83.53% comprise open water capture fisheries, and only 16.47% close
water system. Total production from Inland fisheries is 2.68 mt (DoF, 2013). The
beels are amongst the most fertile and productive ecosystems and important
breeding grounds for fishing. These beels are also very rich depositors of
vegetarian, aquatic plants, reeds and algae. In addition, they constitute suitable
habitat condition for large number of fin-fish, prawns, crabs turtles, molluscas
and birds etc (IUCN, 2008).
In the active floodplains of the Surma-Meghna, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, and
the Ganges-Padma river systems, there are several large and small beels. In
Bangladesh, there are thousands of beels of different sizes. Some of them with
the best-known being Chalan Beel, Gopalganj-Khulna Beel, Meda Beel, Aila beel,
Dekhar beel, Kuri beel, Erali beel and Arial Beel (Akonda, 2007). Most of the large
2
beels have shrunk a great deal in recent decades. Region wise, in the northwest
of Bangladesh some of the larger beels are Bara Beel in Pirganj, Tagrai Beel in
Kurigram, Lunipukur in Rangpur, Bara Mirzapur Beel in Narail and Keshpathar
in Bogra. The old river course of Atrai has beels. In the southern region of
Bangladesh, important beels are Boyra, Dakatia, Bara, Kola, Patla, Chatal and
Srirampur (Alam and Hossain, 2007).
“Beel"is a term for a pond (wetland) with static water (as opposed to moving
water in rivers and canals - typically called khaals. Beels are large surface water
bodies that accumulate surface runoff water through internal drainage
channels; these depressions are mostly topographic lows produced by erosions
and are seen all over Bangladesh. They mostly occur in between the rivers and
canals. The term beel is synonymous to “Baor” and familiar in greater Comilla,
Faridpur, Dhaka, and Pabna districts (Banglapedia, 2006a). Beels are small
saucer-like depressions of a marshy character. Many of the beels dry up in the
winter but during the rains expand into broad and shallow sheets of water,
which may be described as fresh water lagoons. Beels are mainly fed by surface
runoff water. A few larger ones are fed by floodwater during the wet season
from the parent river channel. Normally, beels remain deeply flooded for most
of the wet season.
The beels are generally richer in fishes than the rivers. Fish and prawn resident
in standing water bodies such as beels move into the floodplains to reproduce
and their offspring use the floodplain for feeding and growth. Among 265
freshwater fishes (Rahman, 2005) 143 species are considered small indigenous
species (SIS) in our country. All of these species were found availably in beel
water bodies a few years back, whereas, 54 of them are now threatened, 12 are
critically endangered, 28 are endangered, and 14 are vulnarable (IUCN, 2000).
As a consequence the total composition of the fish species have been changed in
the beel fisheries.
Bangladesh has a total of about 4,500 beels covering an area of about 1,14,161 ha
which is 2.91% of total inland water bodies. These water bodies provide nearly
3
3.18% of total inland fish production. The overall production of beels is about
85,208 mt which is rather low, only about 746 kg/ha, and therefore the
contribution of beel fishery at the national level cannot be said to be significant
(DoF, 2013). Although total fish production from beels were gradually increasing
but this is not satisfactory. This is due to the fact that little or no attention has
been paid towards the better management of the beel fishery system. A slight
growth in the production from beel fisheries was also noticed during the last
decade with some exceptions (Figure1.1).
Figure1.1 Annual changes in fish production in beels over 13 years (DoF, 2013)
The haors, beels and baors offer tremendous scope and potential to augment fish
production by adoption of culture-based fishery enhancement technique. In
2011-12 total 970 water bodies (areas about 2,123 ha) have been developed by 07
development projects under DoF as fish habitat restoration. As a result
additional 3,000 mt fish will be produced annually.
The Haor, Baors and Beels play an important role in the ecology, economy and
livelihood of the country. During the 1990s the nation realized the needs of
resource management seriously and from then the management and
conservation of those water bodies got priority. Management of fishery
resources is crucial as it gives ways to protect fishery resources to sustainable
exploitation and utilization. The overall goal of fisheries management is to
4
produce sustainable biological, social, and economic benefits from renewable
aquatic resources. The fisheries of Bangladesh became state property under the
jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land (MoL) after the abolition of the zamindari
system through the East Bengal State Acquisition and Tenancy Act in 1950. The
MoL has effectively continued colonial policy the MoL by administering these
state fisheries to raise revenue by leasing out fishing rights in waterbodies to the
highest bidder, usually for 1-3 years.
The rivers, canals, beels, haors, baors, lakes and some ponds are the public water
bodies owned by the government. These public water bodies are controlled and
managed by the Ministry of Land for collection of government revenue. To
facilitate the management, rivers and canals are subdivided into several sections
on the basis of administrative boundaries. Each section of the rivers and canals
is called a ‘Jalmohal’. Similarly individual beels or cluster of beels, individual
baors (ox-bow lakes) and individual khash ponds are also known as a Jalmohal.
According to Ministry of Land (MoL), there are about 13 thousand Jalmohals in
the country which are either leased out or kept lease free and open access for
harvesting fish.
The
Ministry
of
Land
from
time
to
time
adopts
a
policy
for
management/leasing of Jalmohals. Recently the Government has declared
Public Water Body (Jalmohal) Management Policy, 2009 superseding all
previous policy/ orders for the purpose of (i) Giving priority in leasing the
Jalmohal to the genuine fishers, (ii) Earning of Government Revenue, (iii)
Protection and conservation of fisheries resources and increase of fish
production and (iv) Conservation of biodiversity ( MoL, 2009).
Thus the leasing policy concentrates more and more on the identification of
what is called “genuine” fishers or their organizations. At some stage a
licensing system was introduced where rights were transferred to individual
fishers rather than to their organizations but now that system is not practiced.
The water bodies over 20 acres are expected to follow the principle of ‘‘Jal Jar
Jola Tar” (those who own fishing nets will also have the water body). None of
5
these terms are defined or explained and they are used in a populist way.
Leasing system of closed Jalmohals above 20 acres to the fishers association
through tender system for 3 years. Several attempts to biological management
of the water bodies were made by interventions from donors, NGOs and also
the Government. FFP (Fourth Fisheries Project), CBFM (community based
fisheries management) are the obvious examples of this attempt. These are now
not followed as leasing periods with the fishers managing water bodies under
CBFM or FFP are not extended.
The Chapaigachi beel in Kushtia sadar upazilla under Kushtia district is a closed
Jalmohal above 20 acres. The beel is being managed since 1999 under Ministry of
Land (MoL) through leasing system for 3 years. Currently the beel is leased out
to “Nandia Matshayajibi Somobay Samity Limited” from the Bengali year 1420
to 1422.
Kushtia district (Khulna division) with an area of 1621.15 sq km and located at
latitude 23° 55' North, and longitude 89° 7' East. It is bounded by Rajshahi,
Natore, Pabna on the north, Chuadanga, Jhenidah districts on the south, Rajbari
district on the east, West Bengal of India and Meherpur district on the west.
Main rivers are Ganges, Garai, Mathabanga, Kaliganga and Kumar. Annual
average highest temperature 37.8ºC and lowest 11.2ºC; annual rainfall 1467 mm.
Kushtia district consists of 6 upazilas, 4 municipalities, 39 wards, 70 mahallas,
61 union parishads, 710 mouzas and 978 villages. The upazilas are Kushtia
Sadar, Kumarkhali, Daulatpur, Mirpur, Bheramara, and Khoksa (Banglapedia,
2006c).
There are eleven rivers, seventeen floodpains, fifty four beels covering an area of
1492 ha, three baors, and 12471 ponds covering an area of 1608.23 ha in Kushtia.
The total production of fish from different water bodies is about 28564 mt fish.
The overall production of fish from beels is about 239 mt and covering an area of
about 587 ha (DoF, 2012).
Kushtia Sadar Upazila (Kushtia district) with an area of 316.26 sq km, is
bounded by Pabna Sadar and Ishwardi upazilas on the north, Harinakunda and
6
Shailakupa upazilas on the south, Kumarkhali upazila on the east, and Mirpur
(Kushtia) and Alamdanga upazilas on the west. Main rivers are Ganges, Garai,
Kaliganga and Kumar. The upazila consists of 1 municipality, 12 wards, 14
union parishads, 140 mouzas and 157 villages. Total population is about 368774;
male 51.77% and female 48.23%; Muslim 94.36%, Hindu 5.53% and others
0.11%. Average literacy rate is 33.7%; male 39.5% and female 27.4%.Main
occupations are agriculture 27.8%, transport 3.08%, commerce 18.58%, weaving
2.9%, industry 1.18%, service 16.96%, agricultural labourer 16.49%, wage
labourer 2.69%, construction 1.85%, others 8.47%.Total Cultivable land is
37333.06 hectare; fallow land 99915.95 hectare; single crop 23.88%, double crop
46.44% and treble crop 29.88%. Land under irrigation is about 25000 hectare.
Fisheries, dairies, poultries: Fishery 9, poultry 376, hatchery 7 (Banglapedia,
2006d).
Chapaigachi beel is one of the most important beels in Kushtia. It is the largest beel
in Kushtia. Local people also call this beel as "Nainda Majhi Para Beel". The beel is
located in about 20 km away from Kushtia Sadar and occupied an area of 289.77
acre spreading over five unions namely Jhaudia, Patikabari, Alampur,
Ujangram and Ailchara Union. There are fourteen villages under five union i.e,
Chapaigachhi, Nandia, Haruria, Nazirpur, Khurda, Ailchara, Majhpara, Khurda
Bakhail, Ujangram, Buzrug Bakhail, Char Bakhail, Khapur, Alinagar,
Gaznalirpur and Chandpur around the beel area. The beel is connected by a
branch river named Sagor Khali and a canal named Dakatia Khal (subsequently
has been named Barisal Khal), which in turn is connected to the Padma river.
The average depth of the beel is 8-9 ft. during rainy season. The beel is rich in
biodiversity.
Once Chapaigachi beel was famous for its natural fish resources. It is said that fish
of Chapaigachi beel was taken to Kolkata fish market during 1958 to 1968. Fishing
was a common profession of the people of the surrounding village and 80% of
people are fishermen both professionally and non-professionally.
7
Chapaigachi beel was a fertile and productive ecosystem and was very important
fish breeding ground and at one time the beel was abundant in variety of
fisheries resources. Locally the beel is called ‘‘Maacher beej tola”. These fisheries
have been declining due to over exploitation, accelerated rate of siltation, flood,
development work without environmental concern, lack of proper management
and awareness about conservation strategy. For these reasons recently the fish
stock has been declined in the beel. At present there are around 68 species of
fishes are being found in the beel. The most dominant fish groups of the
Chapaigachi beel are carps, barbs, minnows, catfishes, eels, perch, snakeheads,
clupeids and other miscellaneous species. Most of the people harvest fish from
the beel only for own consumption. Different fishing gears like Fash jal, Khepla
jal, Thela jal, Charo, Borshi etc. and crafts like Kosa nauka, Dingi nauka, Taler
nauka etc. are being used for catching fish.
Some research works would necessary for biological management of the
Chapaigachi beel which would be greatly helpful in planning and setting up of
strategies for future development and conservation of fisheries resource.
Therefore, research work was undertaken on Chapaigachi beel. The present study
will enable to find out the problem related to fisheries biodiversity and also will
contribute largely to the formulation of an appropriate beel fisheries
management policy to conserve fisheries biodiversity of Chapaigachi beel.
1.1 Objectives of the Study
The study has been set out to assess the following objectives:
 To determine the biodiversity/ species composition of Chapaigachi beel;
 To know the socio-economics of the fishermen of Chapaigachi beel;
 To identify the problems faced by the fishermen for management of the
beel;
 To provide information on the use of different fishing gears along with
catch information;
 To recommend better management and conservation strategies for this
beel.
8
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The purpose of this chapter is to review the previous research works which are
related to the present study. Sufficient research works yet to be done in this field
of inland open water fisheries resources of Bangladesh such as rivers, beels, haors,
floodplain and closed water bodies like ox-bow lakes. The field was largely
neglected because fishes were once believed to be the gift of Allah and ever
abundant. At present time, reduction in the abundance and fish species from the
inland open waters of Bangladesh is a burning issue. Research and survey work
on beel fisheries so far been done in Bangladesh, India and other countries have
been reviewed which are as follows:
2.1 Management of Beel Fishery
The beels are considered as one of the most productive ecosystems owing to
their characteristic interactions between land and water system. These wetlands
are the common property resource and under different management regimes.
These wetlands are under various management regimes, i.e., private
management (individuals and groups), fishermen cooperative management,
Community-based
fisheries
management
(decentralized
management,
Government works as facilitator) and open access. Most of the unregistered beels
are under open access.
FE (2013) published the report that,indigenous mola fish is being produced in a
beel (swamp) under Sadar upazila of the Gaibandha district through active
participation of farmers. An initiative was also taken to farm the fish in different
beels to enhance its production in the years of ahead. World Fish Bangladesh, a
reputed organization, has been implementing the programme in the district
since 2012 under the project 'Flood Plain Fisheries and Aquaculture in
Bangladesh and India RIU PN 35' in cooperation with Consultative Group of
International Agriculture Research. Under this project, 92-kg mola fish fries
were released into Bhelakuba beel at Kisamatfolia under Gidari union of Sadar
9
upazila in the month of September in 2012. After three months, as many as
1,385-kg of mola fish were harvested. Per kg of mola fish is being sold at Tk. 250
in local markets. Besides, over 100-kg of mola fish has been conserved in the beel
for next year production.
Islam et al. (2012) conducted a research work to observe the beel management of
the Dhaka beel situated in Tangail district, Bangladesh. The beel was stocked
with approximately 100000 fish larvae of 4 days old during May to June. After
60 days of proper management the stocked larvae were sampled and 70,000 of
fry were obtained. In the studied beel the annual production was 2.4 mt in 2009
where beel nursery management has increased the production to 7.10 mt in 2010
which also included several non-stocked indigenous fish species. Socioeconomic conditions of people were also improved where 80% of the people
believed that it was true. Beel management has played an important role to
minimize the rapid reduction of many important indigenous species through
four to five months of management where fishes got the chance of recruitment.
Hossain et al (2010) compared the projected seasonal floodplain Mail beel where
community based fish culture was introduced with control beel Chandpur and
noticed that the gross production was about 4.7 times higher in the project site
than the control site.
Chandra (2009) studied the impact of two wetlands (beels) of Assam under
private and cooperative management regimes. The productivity of Rawmari beel
was 850 kg ha-1 yr-1 in comparison to 410 kg ha-1 yr-1 in Charan beel. The
benefit to each fisherman family from private managed beels was better than the
cooperative managed beels.
Pemsl et al. (2008) reported that, 164 fish sanctuaries have been established in
81 water bodies under the CBFM approach. As a result of CBFM, annual fish
production per hectare per year increased on average by 22%, 29%, 12% and 22
% for closed beel (lake or depression), floodplain, open beel, and river habitat,
irrespective of production in control sites which did not Show significant
increases. CBFM fishers were able to increase their earnings from fishing by an
10
average of 21% compared to 15% for Fishers in control areas. Fishers’ incomes
from fishing in floodplains and rivers increased by 104% and 60%, respectively,
whereas fishers’ incomes in open beels only rose by 9% and fishers in closed beels
had fishing incomes fall, largely due to excessive operating costs (lease fees,
stockingcosts).
Rout et al. (2003) collected samples from five sites of a beel during pre-monsoon
and post-monsoon period (2001) to analyze the water quality. The results
support a wide range in some parameters such as free carbon-dioxide ranged
from 16.25 to 23.70 mg/litre; dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.64 to 6.67
mg/litre and biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 9.03 to 9.53 mg/litre.
Evidently, the water body was found to be moderately polluted, which can be
improved for fish production by eco-friendly management forms of the
surrounding users.
Baruah et al. (2000) reported that Eco-energy studies indicate wetlands have a
fairly high production potential. However, the current regulation and system of
management are not conducive to sustainable production from these water
bodies. It is resulting in overexploitation and degradation. It is imperative some
form of co-management with local communities be established for the beels of
Assam.
2.2 Species Composition
Imteazzaman and Galib (2013) carried out a study to determine the fish species
inhibiting in the Halti beel, a famous wetland of northwest Bangladesh. A total
of sixty-three fish species including 55 indigenous and 8 exotic species
belonging to 8 orders, 20 families and 41 genera were recorded during the
investigation period and listed with their nomenclature and systematic position.
Cypriniformes and Cyprinidae were the dominant order and family in terms of
species composition. Puntius sophore was the most abundant fish species
accounting 8.03% of total catch. Three critically endangered, eleven endangered
and eight vulnerable fish species of Bangladesh were also recorded in this water
body.
11
Kostori et al. (2011) estimated of the abundance and diversity of Small
Indigenous Species (SIS) of fish in the Chalan beel. A total of 82 SIS belonging to
10 orders, 22 families and 46 genera were recorded. The order Cypriniformes
(42.68%) was the most dominant order comprising 35 species. The most
dominant family of the order Cypiniformes was Cyprinidae (77.14%)
comprising 27 species, and Puntius was the largest genus including 7 species.
The most abundant SIS observed during the study period were Tengra (Mystus
vittatus, M. tengara), Punti (Puntius sophore and P. ticto), Taki (Channa punctatus),
Guchi Baim (Mastacembelus pancalus), and the least abundant SIS were
Aplocheilus panchax, Badis badis, Danio sp. and Chaca chaca.
Islam (2011) collected data over a period of 2 years from June 1998 to May 2000
from 4 beel in gher farming area under Bagerhat district. Study showed that, in
year 1 total 88 species and in the year 2, 66 species were caught in
Choddohazari beel, a net decrease of 48 species. From all the species, 24 species
most commonly found in Choddohazari beel in year 1 were; Goroy Taki, Koire
Puti, Rui, Shole, Sui Chingri, Royna, Gochi Baim, Gajar, Koi, Mitha Tangra,
Kakila, Magur, Kholsha, Physha, Pholi, Sada Chuchra, Shing, Golda Chingri,
Mrigel, Tara Baim, Katla, Bela, Harina Chingri, and Thi Puti. Total catch of 14
species were very low (less than one kg). These species were Kastechela, Pabda,
Shiale chela & Tatkini Shiale Chela / Dankina, Khosolla, Giya Fish, Boal, Jhili
Puti, Ek Thote, Pabda. Patari, Elsha Chela, Tare Vanga, Phasa, Bagair, Telapia.
Some fish species were extinct in the year 2. The extinct species (not caught) in
year 2 compared to year 1, were Katla, Phutani Puti, Jhili Puti, Pabda.
In case of case Kendua beel in the year 1 total 78 species and in the year 2, 61
species were caught in Kendua beel, showing 49 species decreased in year 2
compared to year 1. Among all the species caught, 22 species were most
common in kendua beel in the year 1. These species are: Rui, Goroy Taki, Katla.
Shole, Koire Puti, Golda Chingri, Thi Puti, Mrigel, Pholi, Gajar, Gochi Baim,
Royna , Kaliboush, Kholsha, Bela, Kakila, Sada Chuchra, Mitha Tangra, Shing,
Sui Chingri, Physha, and Kanchon puti. Total catch of 11 species were very low
12
(less than one kg in year 1). These species were Bojori Tanngra, Cheng, Campri
Chingri, Shiale Chela , Lomba Baim, Ghora Tangra, Elsha Chela, Kaste chela,
Tare Vanga, Phasa,and Chaua. Data shows that following 10 fish species
became extinct (not caught) in year 2; KaliBoush, Bagair, Boal, Aer, Dogra,
Kachim, Kakra,Lomba Baim, Kaste chela, and Tare Vanga.
Study showed that, in Kodalia beel in the year 1 total 63 species and in the year
2, 53 species were caught in Kodalia beel with a net decrease of 42 species. Catch
of 10 species (Koi, Shing, Magur, Kholsha, Ghora Tangra, Shole, Kuchia, Boal,
Cheng, Aer) increased in year 2 compared to year 1. Study shows the 12 species
most common in kendua beel in the year 1. These are: Koire Puti, Goroy Taki,
Rui, Shole, Katla, Sada Chuchra, Royna / Vhada / Nunda, Gochi Baim, Kakila,
Pholi, Golda Chingri,and Thi Puti. Total catch of 14 species was very low (less
than one kg). These species were Ghora Tangra, Elsha Chela / Chapila, Bagair,
Kaste chela, Phutani Puti, Pabda, Giya Fish / Panch Chok, Lal Baim, Shiale
Chela / Dankina, Tatkini, Cheng, Boal, Aer, and Kuchia. Data shows that
following 7 fish species became extinct in year 2; Campri Chingri, Mrigel, Jhili
Puti, Kaste chela, Pabda, Shiale Chela / Dankina, Tatkini.
Study showed that, in Badokhali beel in the year 1 total 70 species and in the
year 2, 61 species were caught in Badokhali beel with an overall loss of 37
species. 15 species were common7 in kendua beel in the year 1. These species
are; Rui, Goroy Taki, Koire Puti, Sui Chingri, Boisakhi Changri, Golda Chingri,
Koi, Shole, Katla, Maya Chela, Bela, Tara Baim, Mitha Tangra, Tit Puti,and
Physha. Total catch of 14 species was very low (less than one kg). These species
were; Nonda Bela, Pabda, Cheng, Jhili Puti, Dogra, Khosolla, Bagair, Tatkini,
Nona, Cheng, Khosolla, Bagair Tatkini, Nona. Data shows that 7 fish species
became extinct in year 2. They were: Kaste chela, Boal, Cheng, Chaua, Kuchia,
Thi Puti.
Joadder (2008b) carried out a study on the ecological aspects of beel Kumari,
Rajshahi (average area of 500 ha.), northern part of Bangladesh for a period of
13
ten months (September, 2005 to June, 2006). A total of 76 fish species belonging
to 26 families and 1 species of prawn were identified so far from the beel.
Chakraborty et. al. (2005) reported one hundred sixty three species of wildlife
from the Chanda beel, among them 7 were amphibian, 21 were reptalia, 111
were birds and 19 were mammal.
Ahmed et al. (2004) worked on ecology of shakla beel under Brahmanbaria
district, Bangladesh. A total of 52 fish species belonging to 36 genera, 20 families
and 1 species of prawn so far identified from the beel. Of the 52 fish species
recorded, 16 species were belonging to the family Cyprinidae followed by
Siluridae, Anabantidae and Channidae of which each family comprised of four
species.
Alam et al. (2001) carried out a comprehensive study on the fisheries resources
of the Sylhet basin during 1994-98. Barbs comprised 19%, catfish 18% and major
carp 16% of the total catch. Chalta beel showed the highest fish production in
three years. Nine types of nets, four types of hooks and five types of traps were
found in operation in the basin. The highest daily mean catch was recorded in
Gher jal (26.5 kg/day) and the lowest in Chandi jal (2.5 kg/day). Behundi jal
was the most efficient (0.89 kg/man/hr) and while Chandi jal was the worst
(0.12 ka/man/hr) gear. Gill net (Fash jal) seems to be the best selective gear.
Rahman (2000) observed 33 fish species in Rajdhala beel. Among them 10
species were stocked fishes and 23 species of fish were non-stocked indigenous
species. In the Padmai beel about 26 species were seen during the study period.
Among them 6 stocked fishes and 34 species were non-stocked indigenous
species were recorded; non-stocked wild fish contributed the bulk of the total
harvest. Estimated annual yield (kg/ha) of Rajdhala beel of stock fish was 330,
non-stocked fish was 158 and the total was 488 kg. In case of Padmai beel,
annual yield (kg/ha) were 250, whereas stocks fish 207 non-stocked wild fish
was 43 kg.
14
2.3 Fishing Gears
Islam (2011) collected data from 4 beels in gher farming area under Bagerhat
district. Those beels were Badokhali under Bagerhat Sadar Thana, Choddohazari
under Chitolmari Thana,Kendua & Kodalia under Mollahat Thana. Data was
collected over a period of 2 years from June 1998 to May 2000. The most
common fishing gear used was the Veshal jal (1194 of these gear were used
across the 4 beel) although use of the Current jal was also increasing (944 nets
were in use in year 2 compared to 878 in year 1). These nets are used for more
than 11 hours a day. The number of Koeya jals (used for between 15 and 20
hours per day) also increased from 53 to 205 over the two years. Kathy jal and
Khepla jal were popular but their use decreased (418 kathy jals in year 2
compared to 587 in the previous year and 351 Khepla jal used in year two
compared with 451 the previous year). Use of polo nets and fish traps also
decreased dramatically in all beels as did the use of Tenta, Badha and Ber jal.
Tanvin Ara et al. (2010) reported 7 types of gears, 8 types of trapes, 5 types of
hooks and spears used in beel Dakatia. In the study, 7 types of gear among them
3 Gill net, 1 Seine net, 1 Lift net and 1 Cast net and (Koi-jal, Fash-jal, Punti-jal,
Ber-jal, Veshal-jal, khepla-jal, shuti-jal) are also observed. 8 types of trapes
(Koidughair, Kadam, Ramani, Arinda, Charo, Ghuni, Tubo, Polo, Vair) and 5
types of hook and spear (Chip borsi, Borsi, Fulkuchi, Jhupi, and Konch) are
used in the capture fishery. The average production of prawn and white fish
were found to be 617.5kg/ha and 234.65kg/ha respectively.
Islam (2008) studied on fish fauna, fishing gear and marketing channel of
Dhaum Nodi beel under Kaunia Upazilla Rangpur, Bangladesh. He identified
different types of fishing gears which were broadly classified into two groups
such as, nets and wounding gear were found to be operated by the fishermen.
Among different types of nets, the highest number of species were recorded in
the catches of Seine net (35) which were closely followed by Cast net (28) and
the lowest number of species were recorded in the catches of Borshi (10). Seine
net was more efficient for fishing at Dhaum Nodi beel.
15
Saha et al. (2005) classified 7 different types of gears of 3 categories (nets, traps
and wounding gears) used by 2 categorized fishers in the beel. Nets are the
dominating fishing gear in the beel followed by traps and wounding gears.
Rahman (2001) studied the fishing gears operated in the Baculiar haor, Itna,
Kishorgonj district. He found 3 types of gears such as nets, traps and wounding
gears. A total of 5 types of nets, 1 type of trap and 1 type of wounding gear were
recorded.
Dewan and Mazid (1994) categorized fishing techniques into netting, angling,
trapping, spearing, de-watering and hand picking. Among the gears, they
found 28 Gill nets, 21 Seine nets, 9 Drag nets, 8 Lift nets, 5 Claps, 6 Hooks and
Lines, 5 Traps and 5 Spears/Harpoons. They also recorded seven new gears
during their study which are Phoo jal, Paia jal, Patpati jal, Dool chot jal, Bhuri jal
and Goria jal. Among the newly recorded jals, three are being used in beels and
other four jals in rivers.
BCAS (1989, 1991) investigated the gear used by fishermen for fishing in the
beels of Netrokona and Sunamganj district. The gears recorded were Jhaki jal,
Uther jal, Veshal jal, Dal jal,Kona ber jal, Ber jal, Tona jal, Goar jal, Pine/Pice jal,
Sarda jal, Current jal, Ram jal and Chouhunda jal etc.
2.4 Socio-Economic Condition of Beel Fishermen
Fishing is the second largest livelihood activities in rural area of Bangladesh.
The available information indicate that this sector employs about 2 million
people who remain fully engaged in fishing, handling, packaging, transporting,
distribution and marketing of fish.
Kostori (2012) Studied the socio-economic condition of fishermen of the Chalan
beel under Tarash Thana of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh from September
2010 to August 2011. From the study it was found that 20-30 age group were the
major manpower of the community. Families consisting of 4-6 members were
majority and they were 64% of the sample respondents. Most of the respondents
of the study area were illiterate (54%), they can sign only. Out of the total
16
number of children 51% were boys and 49% were girls, 56% fishermen were
involved in fishing profession from the period of their father and 72% fishermen
sell their labor in agricultural sector in off-fishing period. The study revealed
that 50% fishermen earned Tk. 200-250 per day; 20% earned Tk. 150-200 per day;
and 12%, 10%, 6% and 2% fishermen earned Tk. 100-150, Tk. 250-300, and Tk.
350-400 per day respectively during the full harvesting period. Only 2% fishers’
lived in brick-wall and tin roofed house. It was also observed that 87% loanees
took loan from NGOs, 50% loanees borrowed money to buy their fishing
equipments and 66% fishermen were involved with Samittee/Association.
Dev (2011) studied on the livelihood status of fishers in Baikka beel. He focused
on differences between fishers who are participants in the Management of
Aquatic Ecosystems through Community Husbandry (MACH) program and
those who are not. He found that according to indicators such as type of
housing, level of education, occupational variability, and dependency of
household members fishers who participate in the MACH program are much
better off than those who do not.
Joadder (2008a) conducted a study on Socio-economic condition of fishermen of
Mail beel during the period of September 2005 to June 2006. The age structure
showed that 31-40 years age groups were mainly engaged in fishing and the
percentage was 28.57 in average of total population. The next groups were 41-50
age group (22.85%), 51-60 age group (8.57%), above 60 age group (2.85%), 20-30
age group (22.85%) and below 20 age group (14.28%), respectively. The average
percentage distribution is 28.57% that show the highest proportion remaining in
the income group of Tk. 31-40. Next 20% of Tk. 51-60, 14.28% of Tk. 41-50,
11.42% of Tk. 61-70, 8.57% of Tk. 71-80, 5.71% of Tk. 81-90, 8.57% of Tk.21-30,
2.85% of Tk. 100 above of the number of fishermen of the Mail beel of
Mohanpur. The birth rate was higher than income structure and life standard
was too low to maintain their whole family. It is necessary to reduce the role of
middlemen to maximize the returns for fishermen. The socio-economic status of
the fishermen could be developed through increasing education and giving
17
technical support. Overall, the socio-economic status of the fishermen is very
dull and fishermen community in the study area is poorer among the poor.
Alam (2005) studied on the socio- economic condition of Haor fishermen of
Sunamgonj haor area. Absolute poor was about 48% by Direct Calorie Intake
(DCI) method and about 49% and 60% fishermen below the lower and upper
poverty lines by Cost of Basic Need (CBN) method respectively. Boat and
defecation facilities were significant by odds ratio and odds ratio confidence
interval. Education status of the household head and ownership of cultivated
land were significant only by odds ratio. Govt. and other agencies (NGO) may
consider the significant factors to increase the socio-economic conditions and
particularly to reduce poverty level of the haor fishermen.
Bhaumik and Saha (1994) carried out a study to assess the socio-economic
conditions of the fishermen engaged in fishing in some estuaries of Sundarbans.
The age group of the sample varied between 20 and 70 years. Most of them
belonged to scheduled caste community, 36.6% had 21-30 years of experience in
fishing. They operated dinghy type of boat, size range of which varied between
7.92 and 9.14 m. Majority of them (41.5%) operated bag net. About 24% of them
undertook fishing operation for 241-260 days and 39.6% spend 12 hrs/day for
fishing. On an average, 29.0% of them caught fish about 130-150 kg/month.
During off-season, 23.4% of them undertook the job of net making or mending
or repairing and 50.4% earned about Rs. 501 to 600/man whereas during onseason income of 36.4% of them varied between Rs. 801 and 900.
18
CHAPTER 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Methodology is an indispensable and integrated part of any research.
Appropriate methodology is a prime necessity that enables the researchers to
collect valid and reliable information and to analyze the information properly in
order to achieve a good conclusion. There are several methods of collection of
data and information. Among those methods, selection of a particular method
depends on many considerations such as the nature of research problems, time
constraints, funds availability etc. For the present study, the survey method was
followed.
The word “survey” refers to a method of study in which an overall picture is
obtained by a systematic collection of all available data on the subjects. The
major advantage of this method is that it is less expensive and its coverage is
much wider. But one of the major defects of this method is that the investigation
has to depend solely upon the memory of the people as per interview. This was
however; overcome by asking cross-questions i.e. the questions were asked to
the farmers in such a manner that the farmers could answer from their memory
and making frequent visits.
The research work has done by collection of primary data from individual fish
farmer. The method of collecting data depends upon the nature, aim and
objectives of the study. The design of the survey for the present study involved
some necessary steps which were outlined in figure 3.1.
This chapter describes the research methodology followed to achieve the
objectives of the study and explains the choice for selecting research tools and
the methods for data collection.
19
3.1 Flow Chart of Methodology:
The present study has been undertaken and completed according to the
following order of methodology:
Selection of the research title
and its objectives
Selection of the study area
Identification of target groups
Data collection
Primary data collection
Secondary data collection
Questionnaire interviews, FGD
and cross check interviews
From various books,
journals, thesis and
organizations
Data processing and analysis
Figure 3.1 Design of the research and methodology
20
3.2 Selection of the Study Area
Chapaigachi beel under Kushtia Sadar upazilla of Kushtia district was considered
for the study. No study was conducted previously in this beel area. At first,
primary information was collected from District Fisheries Officer (DFO),
Kushtia, Upazilla Fisheries Officer (UFO), Kushtia Sadar and ADC (Revenue)
regarding the concentration of the area for fishing activities in the Chapaigachi
beel. On the basis of this information, a preliminary survey was conducted in the
study area. Finally, decision was taken for the study of this beel.
3.2.1 Location and Description of the Chapaigachi Beel
Chapaigachi is one of the most important beels in Kushtia. The beel is located in
about 12.42 mile away from Kushtia Sadar and occupied an area of 289.77 acre
spreading over five union and fourteen villages. This is a semi-closed and more
or less arc shaped inland waterbody. The soil of the beel area is mainly sandy
soil is encountered near the beel bank. The beel is connected by a branch river
named Sagor Khali and a canal named Dakatia Khal (subsequently has been
named Barisal Khal), which in turn is connected to the Padma river. Rainfall is
the main source of water in the beel. The average depth of the beel is 8-9 ft.
during rainy season. The central part of the beel (originally Chapaigachi beel)
remains dry in the dry season and the most depressed part of the beel (local
people call it-Nandiar beel and Haruriar beel) which retain water throughout the
year. Boro rice is generally cultivated in the dry area of the beel during winter
season. The beel is famous for rich in biodiversity.
Plate 3.1 A snap short of the Chapaigachi beel
21
Study Area
Figure 3.2 Map of Kushtia District
22
Chapaigachi Beel
Figure 3.3 Location of the study area is marked with the black curved left
arrow in Kushtia Sadar Upazila Map
3.3. Data Collection Period
23
This study was conducted for six months; from May to October 2013.
Frequent field visits (twice a month) were made during this time to collect
necessary information.
3.4 Preparation of the Survey Schedule and Questionnaires
In the survey, preparation of the survey schedule needed considerable care and
expertise. For data collection from the fishermen of Chapaigachi beel a
questionnaire was prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study
(Appendix). The questionnaire was developed in a logical sequence of that the
target group could answer chronologically. Questions related to the fishermen
and their socio-economic status, species available in the beel, species abundance,
seasonal variation and disappearances of fishes what were predominantly
available in Chapaigachi beel, fishing gears, fishing duration, peak harvesting
season, beel management strategies and other aspects of Chapaigachi beel fish
biodiversity were included in the questionnaire.
3.5. Data Collection
In order to fulfill the objectives of the study, relevant information and literature
were collected from both primary and secondary sources which are:
Primary Data
Primary data were collected from fishermen by researcher hershelf. Several
visits were made to the study area to collect accurate information related to
objectives of the study through interview schedule.
In order to collect relevant information, interview technique was followed. The
fishermen did not keep records of their fishing activities and the amount of fish
caught. So the researcher had to depend more on the memory of the respondent
than other information. All possible efforts were made by the researcher to
ensure the collection of reasonable accurate information from the field. When
the interview was over, the information was checked carefully before leaving
the study area and other confusion arise was rationalized and corrected by the
help of volunteer, fishermen and researcher to keep the consistency of data. For
24
this study a combination of questionnaire interview, Participatory Rural
Appraisal (PRA) tool such as Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and cross-check
interviews with key informants were used for fishermen (Figure 3.4)
Secondary Data
Further relevant information on status on beel management activities were
collected through literature and publications available from Upazila Fisheries
Office, quarterly and annual reports. Books of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
were used to cross- check, complement or illustrate the primary data obtained
through the survey and group discussion.
Questionnaire
interviews with
fishermen
Participatory rural
appraisal tools such
as FGD
Key informants
interviews
Figure 3.4 Data collection methods from fishermen
3.5.1 Questionnaire Interview
To collect data with questionnaire interviews, simple random sampling method
was followed in 40 fishermen in the Chapaigachi beel. The interview of fishermen
was made at home or beel sites during fishing. For each interview of fishermen
required about one hour (Plate 3.2).
25
Plate 3.2 Data collection by questionnaire interview
3.5.2 Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is a group of methods to collect
information from target group in participatory fashion. The advantage of the
PRA, the information methods was likely to be more accurate. The participation
of fishermen provided opportunity for crosschecking individual opinions as
well as allowing the community to discuss the issues that they felt important,
rather than responding to a questionnaire. For the present study, the PRA tool
such as Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with fishermen. In the
study, FGD was used to get an overview of particular issues such as existing
fish composition, fishing systems, management of the beel and also improving
the production of the Chapaigachi beel as well as its fish biodiversity, socioeconomic conditions of fishermen etc. A total of three FGD sessions were
26
conducted in the beel area where each group size of FGD was 6 to 7 fishermen
(Plate 3.3).
Plate 3.3 Focus Group Discussion with fishermen
3.5.3 Cross-check Interview
After collecting the data through questionnaire interviews and FGDs, it was
necessary to check the information for justification of the collected data. If there
were any items contradictory, then information’s were collected from key
informant. Cross-check interviews were conducted with key person such as,
Upazila Fisheries Officer (UFO), and District Fisheries Officer (DFO), School
teachers, local leaders, NGO workers where information was contradictory or
requested for further assessment. The interviews of the respondents were
conducted in their office during office hour or in houses (Plate 3.4).
Plate 3.4 Cross-check interview with local leader
27
3.5.4 Personal Observation
By observing the whole study area the author also gathered some important
information such as about the hydrological condition of the beel, catch
composition of the beel during fish harvesting hour, problems relating with the
beel and the management necessity of the beel by eye observation, questionnaire
interview and FGD with the fishermen.
3.6 Data Processing and Analysis
The collected data were coded, summarized and processed for analysis. These
data were verified to eliminate all possible errors and inconsistencies. The
analysis of collected data was mainly based on tabular description technique.
Tabular technique was applied for the analysis of data by using simple
statistical tools like averages and percentages. Collected data has been analyzed
by Microsoft Excel.
3.7 Summarization, Tabulation, and Reliability of Data
After collection of data from the field, data were recorded in master table sheets.
After completion of the pre-tabulation task, actual tabulation work was started.
Finally, tabulated data were analyzed and condensed by using averages,
percentages etc. to obtain the results.
3.8 Analytical Technique of the Study
Mainly tabular analysis technique was used in this study. Data were presented
mostly in the tabular form because of their simple collection technique and easy
to understand. Collected data were analyzed by Microsoft Excel through
computer.
28
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS
This chapter describes results concerning the existing problems and
potentialities in the study area including physical, biological, socio-economic
condition and management system in Chapaigachi beel.
4.1 Physical Structure of the Chapaigachi Beel
Chapaigachi beel is the largest beel in Kushtia Sadar Upazilla. The beel is located in
about 12.42 mile away from Kushtia Sadar. The beel is a semi-closed and an arc
shaped water body having a water area of 289.77 acre during dry season
spreading over five unions. During monsoon the beel spread out to several
hundred acre. The beel is connected by a branch river named Sagor Khali and a
canal named Dakatia Khal (subsequently has been named Barisal Khal), which
in turn is connected to the Padma river. The most part of the beel (originally
Chapaigacchi beel) remains dry in the dry season and the most depressed part of
the beel (local people call it-Nandiar beel and Haruriar beel) which retain water
throughout the year. Due to building new house for the surrounding peoples
the area of the beel decreasing day-by-day.
4.2 Management Regime of Chapaigachi Beel
According to Ministry of Land (MoL), there are about 13 thousand Jalmohals in
the country which are either leased out or kept lease free and open access for
harvesting fish. Chapaigachi beel is one of them. The closed water bodies over 20
acres follow the principle of ‘‘Jal Jar Jola Tar”. Leasing system of closed
Jalmohals above 20 acres to the fishers association through tender system for 3
years. Chapaigachi beel is being managed since 1999 under Ministry of Land
(MoL) through leasing system. The leasing system is described by the following
way: Ministry of land (MoL) lease out the beel to Deputy Commissioner. Then it
was offered to the Additional District Commissioner and he lease out to the
fishermen co-operative society. The fishermen community takes lease from a
District Waterbody Management and Development Committee which consists
of DC, ADC (Revenue), DFO, AC (Land), UNO and leader of Jatio Matshajibi
29
Somity. Currently the beel is leased out to “Nandia Matshayajibi Somobay
Samity Limited”, the President of which is Md. Ziaur Rahman. This cooperative
society took lease of the beel from the Government at a cost of BDT. 17,25,000/per year for three years starting from the Bengli year 1420 to 1422. For
management of the beel activities there is a Beel management Committee (BMC).
The Beel management Committee (BMC) released 20,000kg of 150-200g
weighted fish fry of Rui, Catla, Grass crsp, Mirror carp, Bighead carp, Mrigel etc
in bengli month of Baishakh. The fish fry were collected from Jassore, Natore
and some local hatchery of Kushtia. Then 145-150kg fish fry were released in
bengli month of Vadro. The growth and condition of fish was checked out after
2/3 month interval. The fish will be harvested from November 15 to December
31.
Mainly the carp fishes were stocked in the beel and managed for five to six
months. No artificial feed is given and the fish species fully depend on natural
feed. Harvested fishes included more than the stocked species. Many of the non
stocked species were available as the species got the chance of recruitment.
During stocking period fishing is strictly prohibited by the local fishermen.
Fry collection
from
hatchery.
Stocking in beel for
5-6 months (Weed
control,
regular
monitoring).
Checking growth
condition
after
months.
Restocking
(Next Bengali
Baishakh
month.)
Full
harvesting
after 6 months
(During
full
harvest fishermen
are hired, they get
25% share).
Partial harvesting after 4
months (Resident & best
growth stocked fishes
are
harvested,
permanent
employees
perform this job).
and
2/3
Fig 4.1: Management flow chart practiced in Chapaigachi beel
The poor fishers of the Samity could not pay the lease value and hence they had
to depend on the rich man/mohajan/Chairmen for payment of lease money.
The rich man/ Chairmen would pay the lease money on behalf of the fishers’
30
society and would get full control of the Jalmohals. The fishers undertook
fishing on payment of money or as laborer or on catch share/contract basis. The
fishermen who worked on contract basis get 25% of share. As a result
traditional/local fishers face poverty and loss of fishing rights and had to move
other work as day laborer.
4.3 Hydrological Condition of the Chapaigachi Beel
The hydrological condition of the river-floodplain-beel water have been shown
in the Table 4.1. A strong influence of the hydrological conditions of the beels on
the beel fishes has been described by different authors. According to different
authors (Ali, 1997; FAP 17, 1994; BFRI and WFC, 2003-04) the hydrological
conditions of the beels are categorized into the following types:
a) Pre-monsoon river flood surge and recession
b) Early-monsoon river flood surge
c) Sustained monsoon beel drainage
d) Dry season fish refuge habitat area contraction
e) Unseasonable beel inundation from local rainfall during dry season.
The early flooding is particularly important for fisheries since it stimulates the
start of spawning of many floodplain resident species of fish. Seasonal changes
are very important in the biology and life cycle of the floodplain resident fishes.
Table 4.1 Hydrological condition of the river-floodplain-beel
Parameters
Aspects
Sources of water
Rivers and Rainfall
Pre-monsoon river flood surge and recession
March-April
Early-monsoon river flood surge
Early May
Sustained monsoon beel flooding
June-October
Late-monsoon beel drainage
Early September
Dry season fish refuge habitat area
contraction
Unseasonable beel inundation from local
rainfall during dry season
31
Late October-January
December-February
4.3.1 Water Depth Variation of Chapaigachi Beel.
As the Chapaigachi beel is a large beel, the water depth varies in different areas
and fluctuates in different months and ranged from 4 to 15 ft. The average
depth is 9 ft. The highest water depth was recorded in August and the beel
remains water whole year except some part of the beel. The highest value of
water depth was recorded in the canal of the beel was 15 ft.
Water depth
ft
Water level
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Month
Figure 4.2 Water depth fluctuations of the Chapaigachi beel in 2013 (from January
to December) (secondary data)
4.4 Biological Resources of the Beel
4.4.1 Fish Biodiversity in the Chapaigachi Beel
Chapaigachi beel is an ideal place for most of all kinds of indigenous fishes.
Locally the beel is called ‘‘Maacher beej tola”. But the biodiversity of resident
species in studied beel are gradually declining due to environmental
degradation, siltration, irrigation, priority to given cultures of non-resident
species, and many other causes. According to the statement of the fishermen
and the people from surrounding area of the beel it was revealed that, different
species of fish which were abundant in Chapaigachi beel are now in great threat.
Some of them are already extinct, some are threatened, and some are
vulnerable. From the study it was found that Khoira, Bacha, Ghaura, Barali,
Rani etc. are not found now-a-days in Chapaigachi beel. In the beel, 68 species
32
belonging to 22family under 9 order were found in different seasons (Table 4.2).
All the species are not found in equal amount. Among them 23 species belong
to the family Cyprinidae; within 68 recorded, 52 fishes were SIS (Small
Indigenous Species) and the rest 16 species were large fish. There were 5 exotic
species recorded in the beel. Among 68 species the maximum fish species (23)
were under Cyprinidae family and the family Bagridae represented 5 fish
species.
Four
families
(Ambassidae,
Anabantidae,
Channidae
and
Palaeomonidae) represented 4 species each and another three families
(Siluridae, Sisoridae and Mastacembelidae) represented 3 species each, two
families (Cichlidae and Notopteridae) represented 2 species each and the rest
eleven families represented 1 species each.
Table 4.2 Available fish and prawn species in Chapaigachi beel.
Order
Family
Local Name
Scientific Name
Status
Beloniformes
Belonidae
Kakila
Xenentodon cancila
native
Cypriniformes
Cyprinidae
Carpio/
Cyprinus carpio
Introduced
Rui
Labeo rohita
native
Kalibaus
Labeo calbasu
native
Baitka
Labeo pangusia
native
Mrigal
Cirrhinus cirrhosus
native
Catla
Catla catla
native
Mirror carp
Mola/Moya Amblypharyngodon
native
mola
Silver carp
Hypophthalmichthys
Introduced
molitrix
Bighead
Aristichthys nobilis
Introduced
Ctenopharyngodon
Introduced
carp
Grass carp
idella
Thai
33
Barbonymus
Introduced
sarpunti
gonionotus
Sarputi
Puntius sarana
native
Kanchan
P. conchonius
native
Gilipunti
P. gelius
native
Teri punti
P. terio
native
Mola punti
P. guganio
native
Phutani
P. phutunio
native
punti
punti
Jat
puti/ P. sophore
native
Bhadi punti
Titputi
P. ticto
native
Darkina/
Esomus danricus
native
Bata
Cirrhinus reba
native
Ghora chela
Securicula gora
native
Sepchela
Chela laubuca
native
Gutum
Lepidocephalichthys
native
Danrika
Cobitidae
guntea
Decapoda
Palaeomonidae
Chingri
Macrobracium
native
rosenbergii
Chotak icha
Macrobracium
native
malcomsonii
Choto
Macrobrachium
chingri
lammarrei
Dimua icha
Macrobracium
native
native
villosimanus
Mugiliformes
Mugilidae
Khorsula
Rhinomugil corsula
native
Osteoglossiformes
Notopteridae
Foli
Notopterus
native
notopterus
Chital
34
Chitala chitala
native
Perciformes
Phopa
Pseudambassis
chanda
beculis
Lal chanda
Pseudambassis lala
native
Nama
Chanda nama
native
Ranga
Pseudambassis
native
chanda
ranga
Nandidae
Meni
Nandus nandus
native
Cichlidae
Tilapia
Oreochromis
Introduced
Ambassidae
native
chanda/
Lomba
chanda
mossambicus
Nilotica
Oreochromis
Introduced
niloticus
Gobiidae
Bele
Glossogobius giuris
native
Channidae
Shol
Channa striatus
native
Gajar
Channa marulius
native
Taki
Channa punctatus
native
Cheng/
Channa orientalis
native
Gachua
Eleotridae
Bhut bele
Eleotris fusca
native
Anabantidae
Koi
Anabas testudineus
native
Lal khalisha Colisa fasciatus
native
Colisa lalius
native
Boicha
Colisa sota
native
Ayre
Sperata aor
native
Tengra
Mystus vittatus
native
Gura tengra
Chandramara
native
Chuna
khalisha
Siluriformes
Bagridae
chandramara
35
Mystus bleekeri
native
Mystus tengara
native
Boal
Wallago attu
native
Kani pabda
Ompok bimaculatus
native
Madhu
Ompok pabda
native
Baghair
Bagarius bagarius
native
Kani tengra
Glyptothorax cavia
native
Dhal magur
Glyptothorax
native
Golshatengra
Bajari
tengra
Siluridae
pabda
Sisoridae
telchitta
Pangasiidae
Pangus
Pangasius pangasius native
Heteropneustidae
Shingi
Heteropneustes
native
fossilis
Chacidae
Chaca or
Chaca chaca
native
Gengeni
Synbranchiformes
Synbranchidae
Kuchia
Monopterus cuchia
native
Mastacembelidae
Baim
Mastacembelus
native
armatus
Guchi
Mastacembelus
baim/
pancalus
native
Pankal
baim
Tarabaim
Macrognathus
native
aculeatus
Tetraodontiformes
Tetraodontidae
Potka
36
Tetraodon cutcutia
native
No. of fish species in diffferent family
1
1
1
1
3
11
Belonidae
Cyprinidae
3
Cobitidae
23
3
Palaeomonidae
Mugilidae
Notopteridae
5
Ambassidae
Nandidae
4
1
Cichlidae
Gobiidae
4
1
2 1
4
2
1
4
1
Channidae
Eleotridae
Figure 4.3 The number of fish species found under different families during study
period in Chapaigachi beel
4.4.2 Bird Population of the Chapaigachi Beel
From the survey it was found that some local birds namely Kani Bok, Sada Bok,
Shalik, Chokha, Khanda Khucha, Pankouri etc were abundant in the beel area.
Besides, various unknown migratory birds came around the beel area in the
winter season.
4.5 Types of Fishermen
Fishing is the main occupation of villagers in Chapaigachi beel. A large number of
fishermen were engaged in fish catching throughout the year. Most of them
were depending on fishing as a source of livelihood and nutrition because of
their poverty. More than 500 families engaged in fishing activities with different
abilities and motivations.
The fishermen of Chapaigachi beel can be categorized into three groups:
•
Professional fishermen: the fishermen who depends on fishing almost
year round for their livelihoods. About 24.04% of total fishermen are
professional.
37
•
Seasonal fishermen: the fishermen who catch fish during a particular
time of the year for income source. There are about 13.46% fishermen are
seasonal.
•
Subsistence fishermen: the fishermen who catch fish for their own
consumption. Highest 62.5% fishermen are subsistence.
4.6 Socio-Economic Condition of Fishermen
In the present survey, it was found that 80% people around beel area were
fishermen. 90% Muslims were featuring as the absolute majority of the
fishermen and the rest10% were Hindus who depend on and only on fishing.
Details results about the socio economic condition of fishermen of studied beel
are given below:
4.6.1 Seasonal Distribution of Fishermen
The fishing activities of fishermen vary with the season. Fishermen were
distributed by the category over the season observed in the study area: “Premonsoon”
(April-June),
“Monsoon”
(July-September),
“Post-monsoon”
(October-December) and “Dry season” (January-March) (Fig 4.3). As the beel is
allowed to fishing during November to December, so all types of fishermen
involved in fishing during Post-monsoon in contract basis.
120
100
80
60
40
Professional
20
Seasonal fishermen
0
Subsistence fishermen
Total
Figure 4.4 The distribution of fishermen by season in the Chapaigachi beel
38
4.6.2 Family Size
An analysis of family size i.e. number of persons per family is very important.
We can classify the families as i) small families with 1-3 members ii) medium
families with 4-6 members iii) large families with 7-9 members iv) larger
families with10-12 members v) very large families with above 12 persons. The
maximum percentage (52.5%) of the fishermen had medium family and lowest
percentage (7.5%) of the fishermen had larger family. The small and large
family represents 22.5% and 17.5% respectively of total fishermen (Table 4.3).
The family size and its composition are related to occupation, income and are
likely to have an important influence on fishing practice.
Table 4.3 Distribution of family size of samples of fishermen of Chapaigachi beel
Family type
Fishermen
Number
Percent (%)
Small family (1-3)
9
22.5%
Medium family (4-6)
21
52.5%
Large family (7-9)
7
17.5%
Large above>10
3
7.5%
Total
40
100%
4.6.3 Age Structure
The study revealed that mainly male fishermen were involved in direct fishing
in the study area. Table 4.4 showed that fishermen of the age group of 31 to 40
years are mainly engaged in fishing on an average of total sample population
and they constituted 32.5% of the total respondents. 21 to 30 and 41 to 50 age
class were 27.5% and 20% respectively. Percentage decreased for below 20 years
age 10% due to occasional working and 50 to 60 above 60 years age group were
7.5% and 2.5% respectively may be old aged and were replaced by their young
male members but still they are interested in fishing (Table 4.4).
39
Table 4.4 Distribution of age group of sampled fishermen of Chapaigachi beel
Age (years)
Fishermen
Number
Percent (%)
<20
4
10%
21-30
11
27.5%
31-40
13
32.5%
41-50
8
20%
51-60
3
7.5%
60<
1
2.5%
Total
40
100%
4.6.4 Income Level
Daily income is the most important factor for better understanding the socio
economic condition of fishermen. From the questionnaire interview, it revealed
that the daily income of the fishermen varied from Tk.100-500. On the basis of
their daily income the fishers were classified into three categories: “Low
income” (Tk.100-200), “Medium income” (Tk.200-300) and “High income”
(Tk.300-500). The half 55% fishers had low income while the proportion of
medium income and high income earning fishers were 32.5% and 12.5%
respectively of the total fishers (Fig 4.4).
Income level
Low income (TK.100-TK.200)
Medium income (TK.200-TK.300)
High income (TK.300-TK.500)
13%
32%
55%
Figure 4.5 Distribution of fishermen according to their daily income
40
4.6.5 Education Level
Education is very important socioeconomic aspect. The distribution of the
fishers varies according to their education level. In the study educational status
of the fishermen have been classified into five categories: “Illiterate”, “Can sign
only but illiterate”, “Primary level” (1-5), “Secondary level” (6-10) and “Higher
secondary and above” (above 10). One third 46.5% of the fishers can sign their
name while about 22.5% of them were illiterate. Among the fishers 17% of the
fishers had primary level education, 9.5% of the fishers had secondary level
education and the rest of 4.5% of had higher secondary and above level
education. Although 46.5% can sign only but they are not considered as
effective education, so the proportion of no education were about 69% (Fig 4.5).
Education level
10%
Illiterate (0)
5%
22%
Can sign only
17%
Primary level (1-5)
Secondary level (6-10)
46%
Higher secondary and
above (above 10)
Figure 4.6 Distribution of fishermen according to their education level
4.6.6 Housing Condition
In order to obtain an overview about the standards of living of the fishermen
community, data was collected about the physical structure of the houses and
their numbers. Most of the fishermen (65%) live in kacha house, while 27.5%
and 7.5% fishermen live in semi-pacca and pacca house respectively (Fig 4.6).
The standard of living of fishermen is very low.
41
Housing condition
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Kacha house
Semi-pucca house
Pucca house
Figure 4.7 Distribution of fishermen according to their housing condition.
4.6.7 Problems Faced by the Fishermen
Though leasing of the Chapaigachi beel (Jalmohals) was earmarked preferably for
the fishers’ cooperative society, the poor fishers could not pay the lease value
and hence they had to depend on the rich man/mohajan for payment of lease
money. The rich man/mohajon would pay the lease money on behalf of the
fishers’ society and would get full control of the beel where the fishers
undertook fishing as laborer or on catch share/contract basis as the fishers get
25% share. So the traditional fishermen do not catch fish all the year round
except monsoon period, traditional fishers face poverty and loss of fishing
rights and had to move other work as day laborer. The fishers also have faced
various types of problems as inadequate credit facility, lack of skill fishers, lack
of appropriate gears, presence of aquatic vegetation and extortion by the local
extortionist. Most of the fishermen were poor and illiterate and live from hand
to mouth. As a result, generation after generation they remain illiterate and not
being able to contribute for betterment of their family and community.
4.7 Fishing Gears Used in the Chapaigachi Beel
Several types of fishing gears were being used in the study area which were
classified into five types, namely Net, fish Trap, Hook, FAD (Fish Aggregation
Devices) and Wounding gear/Spears. Each of these types had again been
42
classified into a number of sub-types (Table 4.5). From the survey it was found
that, only 8 types of nets, 4 types of traps, 3 types of hooks, 4 spears and various
FAD were used in Chapaigachi beel. Most of the gears were traditional and some
of them were unique of the particular locality.
In the dry season, the use of any type of fishing gears was much limited. At the
beginning of monsoon the water level increased due to rainwater and also by
the water flow of the river through the canals. So the use of all types of gear was
increased simultaneously. Due to the vastness of the water body and the
presence of water current in the canals of the beel, nets and traps were widely
used. At the present time Khepla jal and Charo were used in increasing number.
Table 4.5 Fishing gears used in Chapaigachi beel
Class type
Gear type
1.
Nets
Gear name
Cast net
Khepla jal
Drag net
Dura jal/Lathi jal
Falling net
Chabi jal/Chak jal
Gill net
Fash jal/Current jal
Puti jal/Pait jal
Lift net
2.
Push net
Khara jal/Veshal
jal
Thela jal
Seine net
Ber jal/Kheta jal
Traps
Polo
Kholsun/Charo
Bitte /Autal
Icha chai /Duari
3.
Wounding gears/Spears
Konch
Thur konch
Teta
Aika/Akra
4.
Hooks
Chip borshi
Chara borshi
Daun borshi
5.
Zag/FAD (Fish Aggregation Devices)
43
Khata/Zag
4.8 Description of Fishing Gears
Fishing gear is any form of equipment, implement, tool or mechanical device
used to catch, collect or harvest fish (Banglapedia, 2006b). Fishing gear has
become one of the most important tools of modern fisheries development. The
principal categories of fishing gears that are traditionally used in Bangladesh
can be enumerated as the following: fishing nets, fishing traps, hooks and lines,
wounding gears and fish aggregation device (Chakraborty et al., 1995). Various
types of materials are used to make these fishing gears include netting, twine,
plastic structural and fasteners, clips and swivels, ropes, steel wire ropes,
combination wire ropes, purse rings, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, cotton,
polypropylene, mixed fibers, floats and sinkers, bamboo, wood etc. The shape
and size of the gear depends on the use of gears and the environmental
condition of the water body. Thus a brief description and mode of operation of
net, trap, hook and wounding gear which were recorded in the study area are
given bellow.
4.8.1 Fishing Nets
4.8.1.1 Khepla jal (Cast net)
Khepla jal is a kind of cast net, which is the most familiar fishing gear used in all
types of waterbodies. It is also called Jhaki or Betka jal at different regions of
Bangladesh. It is a bell shaped net; the bootom is a circle of 6-9 m diameter. The
net may be about 4-6 m in height, gradually forming a cone at the apex. The
mesh size of the net is 5-10 mm. It may be weaved by natural or artificial twines.
It is a hand operating net, which can be thrown and operated by a fisherman
alone. It is used locally for fishing throughout the year, but mainly in the rainy
season. (Plate 4.1)
Major catch composition: Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhina
cirrhosus), Taki (Channa punctatus), Shol (Channa striatus), Gajar (Channa
marulius), Lal khalisha (Colisa faciatus), Baim (Mastacembelus armatus), Tit puti
(Puntius ticto), Bajari tengra (Mystus tengara), Chanda (Chanda nama), Chapila
(Gadusia chapra), Bele (Glossogobius giuris), Chela (Chela bacaila), Kakila
44
(Xenentodon cancila), Chingri (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), Pabda (Ompok pabda),
Moya (Amblypharyngodon mola) etc.
Season: Round the year
4.8.1.2 Dura jal/Lathi jal /Boa jal (Drag net)
This net is locally known as ‘‘Lathi/Dura/Boa jal”. It is commonly used in beel.
The net is rectangular in shape and long. Two bamboo pools are tied with the
net at two end part to operate by fishermen. The length and width of the net is
3-3.5 m and 1-2 m, the mesh size of the net is 5-10mm. It needs two men to
operate the net. It is generally dragged or hauled along the bottom of the beel.
The net is generally operated in the morning.
Major catch composition: Boal ( Wallago attu), Punti (Puntius spp),
Tengra (Mystus vittatus), Chanda (Chanda nama), Moya (Amblypharyngodon
mola), Khalisha (Colisa spp) etc.
Season: June to December
4.8.1.3 Chabi jal /Chak jal (Falling net)
Falling net is locally known as Chabi jal/Chak jal. The net is in Funnel shaped.
It is made of bamboo pole with cord net. The height of the net is 0.5-1 m and the
diameter (lower portion) is 2.5-3 m. The mesh size of the net is 10-15 mm.
Fishermen press this net to the mud bottom in shallow water and liberate the
upper portion of the net from trap apex and captured the fish. (Plate 4.2)
Major catch composition: Boal (Wallago attu), Shol(Channa striatus), Taki
(Channa punctatus), Carpio (Cyprinus carpio) etc.
Season: December to February.
4.8.1.4 Fash jal/Current jal (Gill net)
This is a rectangular net made of monofilament or nylon twine operated in
reservoirs, rivers, beel and flood plains. It is a passive gear commonly known as
net jal. Fash jal made of cotton net is known as Sutar jal locally in beel area. It is
15-24 m long and 1-1.25 m wide with mesh size of 22-100 mm. Floats are used at
45
the headline, earthen weights for the ground line. This gear is fixed in the water
with two bamboo poles to form a large net wall. Fash jal with a mesh size
greater than 90 mm is not at all harmful to stocked carp. However, Fash jal with
<90 mm mesh catches some carp. (Plate 4.3)
Major catch composition: Tit puti (Puntius ticto), Bajari tengra (Mystus tengara),
Chapila (Gudusia chapra), Bele (Glossogobius giuris), Bata (Cirrhina reba), Chela
(Chela bacaila), Kakila (Xenentodon cancila), Madhu pabda (Ompok pabda), Air
(Mystus aor), Kalibaush (Labeo calbasu), koi (Anabas testudineus) etc.
Season: June to October.
4.8.1.5 Puti jal/Pait jal(Gill net)
Commonly operated in beel, this gill net is made of cotton twine or monofilament. It is known as Punti jal (Plate 4.4) because it catches mainly small Puti
and Kholisha. The net is 10-30 m long and 0.5-1.0 m wide. Mesh size varies
between 22 and 32 mm. Most Punti jals have both floats and weights attached to
them, though some have only floats. As like Puti jal, mesh size smaller than Puti
jal is known as Ghaghri jal (Plate 4.5). The nets are usually set in the morning in
the open part of a beel. Fish are removed periodically. Nets of large mesh size
are used throughout the year and nets with a small mesh are used during the
monsoon period. Its use should be restricted from June to September.
Major catch composition: Punti (Puntius spp), Kholisha (Colisa spp), Singi
(Heteropneustes fossilis), Taki (Channa punctatus), Baim (Mastacembelu spp.),
chapila (Gadusia chapra), Veda (Nandus nandus) etc.
Season: Round the year
4.8.1.6 Khara jal /Veshal jal (Lift net)
This is a triangular lift net fixed with bamboo poles operated from a bamboo
platform. In some area of Bangladesh, Khara jal is commonly known as Veshal
jal or Tong jal. Two sides of the net are attached to two long bamboos and the
cod ends of these two bamboos are bent and tied together. The two bamboo
poles act as a fulcrum (dheki kol) so that when the net is lifted by applying
46
weight at its base, its central portion stands about 1.5 m above the water surface.
A thread is attached to the front side of the net and bent with two front ends of
the two bamboos. The net is 9-15 m long and 4.5-7.5 m wide. Mesh size varies
between 5-10 mm. During fishing, fishers drop the net into the water against a
gentle current. The front portion is set in water while the conical end remains
about 2 m above the water surface. The net forms a conical bag under pressure
of the water current. This gear is operated both by day and by night. This gear is
seriously harmful to stocked carp populations and its use should be restricted
from June to September in carp stocked flood plains. (Plate 4.6)
Major catch composition: Rui (Labeo rohita), Bata (Cirrhinus reba), Tengra
(Mystus vittatus), Baim (Mastacembelus spp.), Punti (Puntius spp.), Moya
(Amblypharyngodon mola), Chapila (Gudusia chapra), Chanda (Pseudambassis spp.),
Khalisha (Colisa spp), etc.
Season: June to October
4.8.1.7 Thela jal (Push Net)
Push net is locally known as “Thela jal” (Plate 4.5). The net is triangular in
shape with an extended handle. Two bamboo poles one is longer than other are
fixed at an angle of 30º, the long portion of the bamboo serves as a handle. A
small cross bamboo is tied at the posterior end. Its two arms is 2-3 m and
another one is 1-1.5 m. The net is constructed by Polyamide mono
filaments
nylon rope. The mesh of the net is 2-10 mm. During the operation the triangular
portion of the net is lowered and is pushed forward over the bed of the shallow
water to a certain distance and lifted on to collect fish. All small size fish are
caught by the net. One person can operate this net. The net lasts 1-2 years. The
net is used all time. The construction cost of this net is very low. Catch per unit
effort is 1-4 kg. (Plate 4.7)
Major catch composition: Mainly small fishes, Baim (Mastacembelus spp), Koi
(Anabas testudineus), Puti (Puntius spp.), Tengra (Mystus vittatus), Mola
(Amblypharyngodon mola), Chanda (Pseudambassis spp.), Khalisha (Colisa spp),
small prawn (Macrobracium spp.) etc.
47
Season: The net generally uses round the year.
4.8.1.8 Ber jal/Kheta jal (Seine Net)
Seine net is locally known as “Ber jal/Kheta jal” in Chapaigachi beel is a fine
mesh size seine net (Plate 4.2). The net is commonly used in the beel. It is a
rectangular net having a large wall of netting and has two borderlines. Floats
and sinkers are attached plastic ropes are used as head ropes and foot ropes.
Mesh size ranges between 5-23 mm. It is very large in size, usually 50-200 m
long and 5-6 m wide. The net is also known as “Jagat ber jal” due to its
enormous length. Length, depth and mesh size varies with the size of the water
body and the species to be caught. After surrounding part of a water body with
this net, the two ends of the net are drawn together and the ground rope is
hauled up from the center of the water body to catch the fish. This gear can be
operated by day and by night. During operation, these gears destroy the habitat
for wild species thus causing harm to all the fish and other aquatic species
living in the beel. Generally 4 to10 people need to operate the net. Fine-mesh Ber
jal catch fish irrespective of their size or species. The net is more costly than
other nets. (Plate 4.8)
Major catch composition: Puti (Puntius spp.), Baila (Glossogobius giuris), Tengra
(Mystus vittatus), Koi (Anabas testudineus), Pangus (Pangasius pangasius), Rui
(Labeo rohita), Mrigal (Cirrhinus migala), Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu), Baim
(Mastacembelus spp.), Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), Chanda (Pseudambassis
spp.), Khalisha (Colisa spp), small prawn (Macrobracium spp.) etc.
Season: June to October.
4.8.2 Traps
Fishing traps are mostly bamboo and wooden made mechanical devices used in
shallow water by both professional and non-professional fishermen. It is very
difficult to classify the traps because same device has different names in
different districts.
48
4.8.2.1 Polo
Polo is a bell shaped trap and both ends are open. The Upper opening is smaller
and used for collecting trapped fishes. The trap is made of split bamboo. The
height of the trap is 0.3-0.6 m, Diameter of upper portion and lower portion is
0.2-0.3 m and 0.3-0.6 m respectively, gap between two bamboo splits is 0.7-1.0
cm. Fishermen presses this trap on the bottom mud in shallow water and put
his hand through the top opening for catching trapped fish/es.
Major catch composition: Varieties of species including Koi (Anabas
testudineus), Boal (Wallago attu), Shol (Channa striatus) etc.
Season: December to February.
4.8.2.2 Kholsun/Charo
Kholsun is a rectangular box shaped fish trap made of split bamboo, tied with
jute rope or cane and consisted of two doors from its apex for fish opening. A
Small opening present at its apex for collect the fish. Locally the trap is called
Charu. Height, length and width of the trap are 0.6-0.8 m, 1-1.2 m and 0.1 to 0.15
m respectively and the gap between two bamboo sticks is 0.5 to 1 cm. The trap
is set in shallow part of the beel with the help of bamboo pole or tree branches
during early morning or evening. (Plate 4.9)
Major catch composition: Small fish like Baim (Mastacembelus armetus), Punti
(Puntius spp.), Tengra (Mystus vittatus), Katchki (Corica soborna), Mola
(Amblypharyngodon mola), Chanda (Chanda nama), Khalisha (Colisa fasciatus), and
small prawn (Macrobracium spp.) are trapped in the trap.
Duration: 1to 12 hrs/day.
Season: July to January
4.8.2.3 Bitte/Autal
Bitte is a basket shaped fishing trap, made of split bamboo with two or three
entrances and an opening on the trap for collecting fish. Based on trap doors
and size two different types of Bitte are found: Bitte (small) consists of three
trap doors from base to apex. Bitte (big) consists of two doors, the first one is
49
positioned in the width portion and just behind it there is another door in the
middle portion of the trap. Locally the trap is called Autal/Jhajra. The height of
the trap is 0.3-0.4 m, and the trap is 0.3-0.8 m long and the width and gap
between two bamboo sticks of the trap are 0.5-1.0 cm respectively. The trap is
sunken (0.3-0.4 m below from water surface) in shallow water, where small
current is present during early morning and evening checked up every one or
two hour interval. (Plate 4.10)
Major catch composition: Usually small fishes are caught by the trap including
Baim (Mastacembelus armetus), Koi (Anabas testudineus), Punti (Puntius spp.),
Tengra (Mystus vittatus), Chanda (Chanda nama), Khalisha (Colisa fasciatus),
small prawn (Macrobracium spp.) etc.
Duration: 1-12 hrs/day.
Season: July to January
4.8.2.4 Icha Chai/ Duari
The trap is a triangular or cylindrical shaped made of bamboo splits and
threads (Plate 4.8). The length and the width are typically about half and
quarter of a meter respectively. The device has small trap doors at one end and
the other end remains close by a rope and also used to collect fish. Bait used to
lure the fish. The trap keeps at the shallow or deep water and generally
operated in the night period. (Plate 4.11)
Major catch composition: Generally Baim (Mastacembelus spp.) and prawn
(Macrobracium spp.) etc.
Duration: 1-12 hrs/day.
Season: July to December.
4.8.3 Wounding Gears/Spears
Spears are the fishing devices which are used to catch fish by throwing or
wounding fishes.
50
4.8.3.1 Konch
Konch is made of more than 10 pieces of bamboo splits which are firmly fixed in
a bunch. The pointed ends of the bamboo splits are covered with sharp and
pointed iron caps to increase the efficiency. The fishermen wait with great
patience from a boat or from any craft or just standing on the bank of beel and
when find the fish, throw the gear with a great force at the fish so as to pin
down, when strikes the fish.
Major catch composition: Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Shoal (Channa
striatus), Gozar (Channa marulius) etc.
4.8.3.2 Thur Konch
Thur Konch is a wounding gear which is similar to Konch. But it is made of a
long bamboo handle about 2 to 4 m long and several iron rods without hook at
the base (Figure 15). The length of iron rod is about 60 to 65 cm. The iron rod is
tightly tied with the bamboo handle by coconut thread or iron wire. (Plate 4.12)
Major catch composition: Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Taki (Channa
punctatus), Shoal (Channa striatus), Gozar (Channa marulius) etc.
4.8.3.3 Teta
Teta is a wounding gear made of a long bamboo handle about 2 to 4 m long and
several iron hooks with iron rod at the base (Figure 15). The length of iron rod is
about 60 to 65 cm with hooks at the apex. The iron rod with hooks is tightly tied
with the bamboo handle by coconut thread or iron wire. The fisherman throws
the gear to target species. (Plate 4.13)
Major catch composition: Boal (Wallago attu), Shoal (Channa striatus), Taki
(Channa punctatus), Bele (Glossogobius giuris) and others fish species.
Season: Round the year.
4.8.3.4 Aika/Akra
The gear is made of a long bamboo handle about 4 to 5 m long and 1/2/3 iron
hooks with iron rod at the base (Figure 15). The length of iron rod is about 80 to
51
85 cm with hooks at the apex. The iron rod with hooks is tightly tied with the
bamboo handle by coconut thread or iron wire. The fisherman throws the gear
to target species.
Major catch composition: Guchi baim (Mastacembelus pancalus), Baim
(Mastacembelus armatus) and Tara baim (Macrognathus aculeatus).
Season: Round the year.
4.8.4 Line and Hooks
Hooks are manufactured in a wide range of size, and the gap between the point
and the shank appears to be the dimension, which determines the size range of
fish caught by a particular hook. The most familiar type of manufactured steel
hook is “J’’ shaped, which is mostly used for hook and line fishing.
4.8.4.1 Chip Borshi
It is very simple barbed hook tied to one end of a line and the other end with a
bamboo stick. Above the hook there is a float used to drift the hook into desired
water level which also indicates that if the fish is baited or not. Earth warm and
small prawn is used as bait.
Major catch composition: Puti (Puntius spp.), Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu), Koi
(Anabas testudineus), Shing (Heteropneustes fossilis), Tengra (Mystus vittatus) and
some carp spp.
4.8.4.2 Daun Borshi
Daun is a long line measuring from 46 to 450 m, which is set into shallow water
with bamboo pools 4 to 6 cm above water. A small line of 0.45 to 1 m with
barbed hooks is lowered into water with bait. The baits include earthworm,
cockroach, Punti and Guchi fish and toad. One Daun may contain even more
than 500 hooks. In the beel, the two opposite and the long line is set on the two
opposite banks across the sinkers. (Plate 4.14)
Major catch composition: Baim (Mastacembelus armetus) Shoal (Channa striatus),
Taki (Channa punctatus), Gazar (Channa marulius) etc.
52
4.8.4.3 Chara Bosrhi
Chara Bosrhi is a special type of gear composed of a small stick with a very
small thread and a barbed hook. Before two or three hours of fishing, the
fisherman tied his boat in a fixed place with bamboo poles posted on the bed or
in the bank of the river. Then the fisherman hanged the pieces of viscera of
livestock with bad smell down the water to attract the fishes and small pieces of
rotten viscera are also thrown into water to confuse fishes. When large number
of fish aggregates, the fisherman laid the Chara Borshi and hauled very quickly
without bait. As a result, fish gutted the hook consuming as food. The efficiency
of this gear is very good in terms of fishing time required to about 40 to 60 kg
fish within an hour.
Major catch composition: Rui (Labeo rohita), Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu), Mrigal
(Cirrhinus migala), Ayre (Sperata aor), Pangus (Pangasius pangasius) etc.
4.8.5 Description of FAD/Zag
4.8.5.1 Khata/Zag
This is a special type of microhabitat in open water. It is in between of a gear
and a habitat. Since fish aggregates here therefore, this is called gear. A number
of tree bows and bushes are pouring down into the water and hauled and
fished one month interval with the help of a net to encircle and replace the
bush. The length and width of the net required to encircle the Katha is 10-30 m
respectively. The mesh size of the net ranged between 1-5 mm. Both sinkers and
floats are used to operate the net for fishing from Katha.
Major catch composition: Baila (Glossogobius giuris), Carpio (Cyprinus carpio), Rui
(Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Boal (Wallago attu), Taki (Channa punctatus),
Shol (Channa striatus), Baim (Mastacembelus spp.), Koi (Anabas testudineus), Punti
(Puntius spp.), Tengra (Mystus vittatus), Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), Chanda
(Chanda nama), Khalisha (Colisa spp) and Prawn (Macrobracium spp.) etc.
53
Plate 4.1 Khepla jal
Plate 4.2 Chak/Chabi jal
Plate 4.3 Fash jal/Current jal
Plate 4.4 Pait jal
Plate 4.5 Ghaghri jal
Plate 4.6 Khara jal
54
Plate 4.7 Thela jal
Plate 4.8 Ber jal
Plate 4.9 Charo/Kholsan
Plate 4.10 Bitte/Autal
Plate 4.11 Icha Chai/Duari
Plate 4.12 Thur Koach
55
Plate 4.13 Teta
Plate 4.14 Daon Borshi
4.9 Species Availability in Commonly Used Fishing Gears
The study revealed that different fishing gears had some specific target species.
The catch composition of different fish species varies with the seasonal variation
of water level of the beel and also with the variation of gears used. It was
observed that the Puti jal and Fash jal were most commonly and occasionally
Ber jal were used to catch almost all the major fish species in the beel. The major
fish species caught by specific gears are presented in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6 Major fish species caught by different fishing gears in Chapaigachi beel
SL. No.
1.
Name of gear
Khepla jal
2.
Fash jal/Current jal
Major species caught
Rui, catla, mrigal,taki,puti, tengra,
khalisha, moya, chanda, baim
Puti, tengra, chanda, baim/guchi,
3.
Puti jal/Pait jal
Puti, shingi, taki, baim, chapila, mani
4.
Khara jal
5.
Thela jal
6.
Ber jal/Kheta jal
7.
Kholsun/Charo
8.
Konch
Puti, tengra, kholisa, moya, chapila,
chanda, guchi
Puti, khalisha, tengra, chanda, moya, small
prawn
Koi, shingi, bele, mani, tengra, baim,
kholisha, chingri, taki
Puti, tenara, kholisa, moya,chapila, chanda,
baim,small prawn
Rui, catla, shol,gajar
9.
Teta/Aro
Boal,shol, carpio
10.
Daun Borshi
Baim, taki, shol, gajar
56
4.10 Number of Fishing Gears Observed in a Day in Operation
During the study period several fishing gears were observed in different places
of the beel except leasing area. It is a common criterion of many beel that
different types of fishing gear are being used in catching fish. There are some
specific gear for specific fish and some for common fish. During the study
period in Chapaigachi beel, nine types of fishing gears were observed for fishing
in a single day. The number of fishing gear observed in a day in operation is
presented in the Table 4.7.
Table 4.7 Number of fishing gears observed in a day in operation
SL. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gear name
No. of gear/day
Khepla jal
Fash jal
Paik/Puti jal
Khara jal
Thela jal
Charo
Bitte/Autal
Chip borshi
Daun borshi
12
2
3
2
1
20
12
2
6
4.11 Fishing Duration of Every Single Gear Observed in a Day
Fishing duration is very important to estimate the fish yields and to keep track
of the catch per unit effort (CPUE). It was seen that most of the gears used both
day and night basis in Chapaigachi beel. Fash jal mostly uses at morning or at
night; most of the traps operate through the whole night. In the study area the
highest and the lowest fishing duration recorded in Fash jal and Thela jal. The
gears which used longer time were Fash jal, Puti jal, Khara jal, Charo, and Daun
Borshi. The fishing hours of used gears are presented in the Table 4.8.
57
Table 4.8 Fishing duration of every single gear observed in a day
SL No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Gear name
Fishing duration (hours)
Fash jal
Ber jal
Puti jal
Khepla jal
Thela jal
Traps
Borsi
6-12
2-4
6-12
0.5-2
1-1.5
4-12
2-5
4.12 Fishing Gears Used By the Different Number Fishers
During the survey period it was found that different types of fishing gear used
by the several number of fishers in the Chapaigachi beel. The maximum number
of fishers used Khepla jal (Cast net) and Charo (Trap) and the lowest number of
fishers used Khara jal (Lift net). The second and third highest number of fishers
used Fash jal (Gill net) and Daon Borshi respectively.
Thela jal
Fash jal
Puti jal
Ber jal
Khepla jal
Charu/bitte
Teta
Daon borshi
11%
Khara jal
11%
6%
21%
13%
17%
14%
3% 4%
Figure 4.8 Percentage of fishermen used different fishing gears in the Chapaigachi
beel
58
4.13 Fishing Craft
During study period it was found that, different types of fishing craft were used
in Chapaigachi beel. Fishermen used this to operate the net or to catch fish using
fishing gear. It was seen that, most commonly Dingi nauka, Talar nauka were
used. In some case, Boro nauka was also used to catch large number of fish
during harvesting period to operate Ber jal.
Plate 4.15 Dingi nauka
Plate 4.16 Taler nauka
59
CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION
5.1 Biodiversity of Fish in Chapaigachi Beel
5.1.1 Species Composition
Bangladesh has rich in aquatic fish biodiversity with 265 freshwater fish species
where minnows, catfish, eels, perch, gobies, clupeids and prawns constituted
the major portion (DoF, 2009). A rich diversity of fish fauna is contributing
significantly to the ecology and sustainable productivity of the floodplains.
Barr et al (2004) reported that during the monsoon the floodplains of
Bangladesh become integrated into a single biological productive system. About
20-30 fish species which are resident in the floodplains and tolerant of low
levels of oxygen provided the majority of the national freshwater fish
production.
The total inland waterbody cover an area of about 4.6 million ha. Among the
various inland fisheries resources, beel play a major role in fish production from
time immemorial. The area of the Chapaigachi beel was about 289.77 ha which is
very little compared to the total area of inland water body in Bangladesh but
large in compare to the other beels. The area of the beel spread out to thousand
hacters during monsoon. Joadder (2008b) carried out a study on the ecological
aspect of beel Kumari, Rajshahi with average area of is about 500 ha. A total of
76 fish species belonging to 26 families and 1 species of prawn were identified
so far from the beel. Imteazzaman and Galib (2013) found a total of sixty-three
fish species including 55 indigenous and 8 exotic species inhabiting in the Halti
beel. Three critically endangered, eleven endangered and eight vulnerable fish
species of Bangladesh were also recorded in this waterbody. The total area of
the waterbody is about 1012.5 ha (during monsoon) and 15.95 ha (during dry
season). Kostori et al. (2011) conducted an estimation of the abundance and
diversity of Small Indigenous Species (SIS) of fish in the Chalan beel. A total of
82 SIS fish belonging to 10 orders, 22 families and 46 genera were recorded.
Ahmed et al. (2004) found 52 fish species in Shakla beel belonging to 36 genera,
60
20 families and Rahman (2000) observed that thirty three fish species were
present in Rajdhala beel. In the present study a total of 68 species belong to
22family under 9 order were found in the Chapaigachi beel. Within 68 recorded,
52 fishes were SIS (Small Indigenous Species) and the rest 16 species were large
fish. The highest number of fish species (23) were under Cyprinidae family.
From the study it was found that presently khoira, bacha, ghaura, barali, rani
etc. are not found in the Chapaigachi beel. There were 5 exotic species recorded in
the beel. Locally the beel is called ‘‘Maacher beej tola”. But the biodiversity of
resident species in studied beel are gradually declining due to environmental
degradation, siltration, irrigation, priority to given cultures of non-resident
species, and many other causes.
5.2 Fishing Gears
The present study reveals that, different types of fishing gears were being used
in Chapaigachi beel by the fishermen. The most used fishing gears were Fash jal,
Puti jal, Khepla jal, Thela jal, Borshi, Charo, Koch and Teta. Chakraborty et al.
(1995) enumerated the principal categories of fishing gears that are traditionally
used in Bangladesh as the following: fishing nets, fishing traps, hooks and lines,
wounding gears and fish aggregation device. Saha et al. (2005) classified into 7
different types of gears of 3 categories (nets, traps and wounding gears) used by
2 categorized fishers in the beel. Nets are the dominating fishing gear in the beel
followed by traps and wounding gears. Dewan and Mazid (1994) categorized
fishing techniques that are currently used by the fishermen of Bangladesh into
netting, angling, trapping, spearing, de-watering and hand picking. Islam (2008)
identified different types of fishing gears which are broadly classified into two
groups such as, nets and wounding gear were found to be operated by the
fishermen in Dhaum Nodi beel. Rahman (2001) found 3 types of gears including
5 types of nets, 1 type of trap and 1 type of wounding gear operated in the
Baculiar haor. Among the different types of nets the highest number of species
(29) was recorded in the catch of seine net, which was followed by cast net (23)
and relatively less number of species (9) were recorded in the catch of push net.
61
Tanvin Ara et al. (2010) found 7 types of gears, 8 types of trapes, 5 types of
hooks and spears used in the capture fishery of beel Dakatia. From the survey, it
was found that 20 different kinds of fishing gears under 5 major groups
including 7 types of nets such as Seine net, Drag net, Falling net, Gill net, Lift
net, Push net, Cast net; 4 types of trap such as Polo, Bitte/Autal, Icha
Chai/Duari, Kholsun/Charo; 4 spears such as Aika/Akra, Teta, Konch, Thur
Koach ; 3 types of hooks such as Daun Borshi, Chip Borshi, Chara Borshi and
Khata/Zag (FAD) were used in the Chapaigachi beel. Among different types of
net Fash jal and Khepla jal are most commonly used. Nets were the dominating
fishing gear in the beel. The use of different kinds of fishing gear varies with the
season and depth of water. During monsoon when water level becomes high
and the use of all kinds of fishing gear increased simultaneously in the beel.
5.3 Fishing Duration
The use of fishing gears and operation time depends largely on the habitat type,
season, water level, types of fishermen and species availability. In the present
survey, the maximum and the minimum fishing duration were observed in
Fash jal and Thela jal, which were 6-12 and 1-1.5 hr/day, respectively. Fishing
duration of most common fishing gears were recorded in Ber jal 2-4 hours,
Khora jal 2-6 hours, Khepla jal 0.5-2 hours and Borshi 2-5 hours per day.
Baseline report of fisheries by MACH (2001) recorded lower fishing duration
than present findings.
5.4 Fisher Types and Their Socio-Economic Conditions
In the present survey, it was found that 80% people around the Chapaigachi beel
area were fishermen. Among them 24.04% fishermen was professional, 13.46%
fishermen were seasonal and the rest 62.5% fishermen were subsistence
fishermen. Bhaumik and Saha (1994) found that 24% of them undertook fishing
operation for 241-260 days, 39.6% spend 12 hrs/day for fishing and off-season,
and 23.4% of them undertook the job of net making. Kostori (2012) found that
20-30 age groups were the major manpower of the community in Chalan beel.
Families consisting of 4-6 members, 54% were illiterate and 50% fishermen
62
earned Tk. 200-250 per day. Dev (2011) studied on the livelihood status of
fishers in Baikka beel. He focuses on fishers who are participants in the MACH
program are much better off than those who do not. Joadder (2008a) found that
in Mail beel 31-40 years age groups were mainly engaged in fishing and the
percentage was 28.57 in average of total population. Alam (2005) studied that
about 49% and 60% fishermen below the lower and upper poverty lines by Cost
of Basic Need (CBN) method respectively. From the study it was found that, in
the Chapaigachi beel the maximum percentage (52.5%) of the fishermen had
medium family, and 32.5% fishermen of the age group of 31 to 40 years are
mainly engaged in fishing. 21 to 30 and 41 to 50 age class were respectively
27.5% and 20%. The half 55% fishers had low income (Tk.100-200) while the
proportion of medium income and high income earning fishers were 32.5% and
12.5% of the total fishers respectively. 46.5% of the fishers can sign their name
while about 22.5% of them were illiterate. Among the fishers 17% of the fishers
had primary level education. Rahman (1994) noted that in Bangladesh most of
the fishermen are illiterate and few have primary level of education. Most of the
fishermen (65%) live in kacha house, while 27.5% and 7.5% fishermen live in
semi-pacca and pacca house respectively. The standard of living of fishermen is
very low. The fishermen also involve in various occupations as like agriculture,
van pulling and carpenter and also as a day labour for maintaining their
livelihood.
5.5 Management regime of Chapaigachi beel
Wetlands are invaluable components of the environment, ecology, resource
potential and biodiversity in Bangladesh. These wetlands are the common
property resource and under different management regimes. FE (2013)
published the report that, 92-kg mola fish fries were released into Bhelakuba
beel under the project 'Flood Plain Fisheries and Aquaculture in Bangladesh and
India RIU PN 35' in cooperation with Consultative Group of International
Agriculture Research. After three months, as many as 1,385-kg of mola fish
were harvested. Islam et al. (2012) found that in the studied beel the annual
63
production was 2.4 mt in 2009 where beel nursery management has increased
the production to 7.10 mt in 2010. Hossain et al (2010) noticed that the gross
production was about 4.7 times higher in the project site than the control site.
Pemsl et al. (2008) reported that, 164 fish sanctuaries have been established in 81
water bodies under the CBFM approach. As a result of CBFM, annual fish
production per hectare per year increased on average by 22%, 29%, 12% and 22
% for closed beel, floodplain, open beel, and river habitat. From the survey it was
found that, the Chapaigachi beel was managed through leasing system. The beel
is under the ministry of land as jalmohal and the water bodies over 20 acres
follow the principle of ‘‘jal jar jola tar”. The total area of the beel is about 289.77
acre. Currently the beel is leased out to “Nandia Matshayajibi Somobay Samity
Limited” from the Government at a cost of BDT. 17, 25,000/- per year for three
years starting from the Bengali year 1420-1422 (2013).The Beel Management
Committee (BMC) released, 20,000kg of 150-200g weighted fish fry of Rui, Catla,
Grass carp, Mirror carp, Bighead carp, Mrigel etc. in month of Baishakh. Then
145-150kg fish fry were released in month of Vadro. The fish will be harvested
from November 15 to December. The poor fishers of the Samity could not pay
the
lease
value
and
hence
they
had
to
depend
on
the
rich
man/mohajan/Chairmen for payment of lease money. The rich man/mohajon
would pay the lease money on behalf of the fishers’ society and would get full
control of the Jalmohals where the fishers undertook fishing on payment of
money or as laborer or on catch share/contract basis. The fishermen who
worked on contract basis get 25% of share. As a result traditional fishers face
poverty and loss of fishing rights and had to move other work as day laborer.
Short-term revenue oriented leasing system of Jalmohals is harmful both for the
fishers and fisheries resources. In order to get profit they do not consider the
biological management of the beel.
64
CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Bangladesh has extensive and highly diverse fisheries resources. Fish and
fisheries sector play an important role on the socio-economic development of
Bangladesh from the time immemorial and it is the part of our cultural heritage.
During the 60’s, about 90% of the total fish production came from open water,
whereas at present, open water contributes only about 29.34% (DoF 2013). At
present, improved biological management is the first priority that will restrict
the declination of resources and enhance production.
Wetlands are invaluable components of the environment, ecology, resource
potential and biodiversity in Bangladesh. They are integral part of the local
ecosystem based cultures. The fish production sharply depleted in recent years
due to various research such as indiscriminate fishing. The present study
revealed that the Chapaigachi beel is very rich in biological resources and
diversity of fishes in the beel had a variation at different seasons. The study was
carried out with a view to observe the available freshwater fishes in Chapaigachi
beel, management system, natural abundance of fishes as well as the use of
fishing gears, fishing duration and the socio-economic status of the fishermen of
the beel. A field investigation was conducted on the existing status of fishery of
Chapaigachi beel under Kushtia Sadar Upazilla of Kushtia district. The study was
conducted for six months from May to October 2013. The data collection was
carried out by survey method using questionnaire, field visits and interviewing
with fishermen. In the survey, data were collected from 40 fishermen around
the beel.
A total 68 species belong to 22 families under 9 orders were identified in the
Chapaigachi beel during study period. Some species as khoira, bacha, ghaura,
barali, rani etc. are not found today from the Chapaigachi beel. Within 68
recorded, 52 fishes were SIS (Small Indigenous Species) and the rest 16 species
were large fish. There were 5 exotic species recorded in the beel. Highest 23
species belonged to the family Cyprinidae. Some local bird namely Kani Bok,
65
Sada Bok, Shalik, Chokha, Khanda Khucha, Pankouri etc. were abundant in the beel
area. Besides, various unknown migratory birds came around the beel area in
the winter season.
In Chapaigachi Beel 8 types of Nets, 4 types of Traps, 3 types of Hooks, 4 Spears
and Khata/Zag (FAD) were found to be used. In the study area the highest and
the lowest fishing duration recorded in Fash jal and Thela jal respectively. Nets
were the dominating fishing gear in the beel. Hightest number of fishermen
used Fash jal in the beel. From the study it was found that, in the Chapaigachi beel
the maximum percentage (52.5%) of the fishermen had medium family, and
32.5% fishermen of the age group of 31 to 40 years are mainly engaged in
fishing. The half 55% fishers had low income (Tk.100-200). 46.5% of the fishers
can sign their name while about 22.5% of them were illiterate. Among the
fishers 17% of the fishers had primary level education. More than half 65%
fishermen live Kacha house, 27.5% and 7.5% fishermen live in Semi-pacca and
Pacca house respectively. The standard of living of fishermen is very low in the
beel area.
Chapaigachi beel is being managed through leasing system for 3 years under
Ministry of Land (MoL). Currently the beel is leased out to “Nandia
Matshayajibi Somobay Samity Limited” at a cost of BDT. 17, 25, 000/- per year
for three years starting from the Bengli year 1420 to 1422. Mainly the carp fishes
were stocked in the beel and managed for four to five months.
Fishers reported that lease value of beel is fixed at a very higher rate without
considering the fish resource status which encourages over fishing and affect
fishers access to the resource as they cannot pay high lease value and ultimately
the control of beel goes to the rich people and the fishers work there as laborer or
on catch share basis. The fishermen who worked on contract basis get 25% of
share. The revenue oriented management or leasing system of beel creates scope
of the entry of the middleman in controlling the fisheries resource.
In Chapaigachi beel there is no Governmental and non-governmental survey
conducted before. The study was conducted for a short period of time. Long
66
term studies on biodiversity, fishing gears and socio-economic condition are
much essential to know the changes in the biodiversity and socio-economic
development of the fisher community for better and sustainable beel fishery
management.
Based on findings of the study on the prevailing management condition of beel
fishery, following measures can be undertaken for better management. As the
management of open water Jalmohal is very difficult due to the size and nature,
biological
and
social
management
under
community
based
fisheries
management policy should be taken up for effective and sustainable
management and to improve the socio-economic condition of the fisher.
For proper management of the beel following measures should be taken:
•
The beel should be transferred from the MoL to MoFL as early as possible
on long term basis of 50 years or more.
•
Leasing period of 1-3 years should be increased for long time upto 10
years or more and lease should be given to the genuine fishermen those
who live in adjacent area of the beel.
•
As a part of management, close fishing season should be maintained
strictly for 3-4months during breeding season of resident fish species.
•
Use of destructive fishing gears should be strictly prohibited.
•
Establishment of sanctuaries for endangered and threatened species.
•
Each of the beel has their own biological, environmental and social
characteristics. Local management approach should be developed.
•
Training facilities should be provided to the fishermen.
•
Guarding by the society members by rotation.
•
Commercial Banks and other financial institution should come forward
with collateral free special supervisory credit-program for fingerling
stocking and overall management.
67
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73
APPENDIX
Community Monitoring Format for Catch Composition of Chapaigachi beel in
Kushtia Sadar Upazila of Kushtia District.
Date:
1. Personal Details of Fisherman
1.1 Respondent Name: ................................................ 1.2 Age: ........ 1.3 Sex: ...........
1.4 Address: ........................................................................1.5 Education Level:……...
1.6 Family size: ............. Male: ……........ Female: ............... Earning Member: ........
1.7 Main occupation: .............................. 1.8 Secondary occupations: ........................
1.9 Total income:..................Tk/day 1.10 Income from fishing...................Tk/day
2. Fishing Information
2.1 Fishing Gear
2.1.1 Name of the Gear: ................................................................................................
2.1.2 Number of fishing gear use in beel: ................
2.1.4 Breadth: ........................ ft
2.1.3 Length: .............. ft
2.1.5 Mesh size (if net): ....................
mm.
2.1.6 Gear making materieal (nylon/coton...): .........................................................
2.1.7 Typer of craft use (if): .............................................................
2.2 Fishing Time
2.2.1 Peak season (month): From................................... To .................................
2.2.2 Fishing days/week: .................................
2.2.3 Time of fishing: Day/Night/Both.
2.2.4 Fishing time: From........................am/pm to......................am/pm
2.2.5 Duration of fishing time: ....................hours and .................... minutes/days
74
2.3 Catch compostion
SL. NO.
Species
Number
Wt(g)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
3. Management Information
3.1 Management actions practiced: ....................................................................
3.2 Management actions necessary for beel: ......................................................
3.3 Major problems relating the beel: .................................................................
75