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Hilsa fisheries in India: a socio-economic analysis of fishers in deltaic Ganga region of river Hooghly

Authors :
Hena Chakraborty
Piyashi DebRoy
Arghya Kunui
Saurav Kumar Nandy
Chayna Jana
Amiya Kumar Sahoo
Basanta Kumar Das
Source :
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Vol 8 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is a premium table fish in the eastern and some parts of the north-eastern region of India, especially for the Bengali community, contributing uniquely to the societal and economic significance of artisanal fisheries of the country. The major distribution of the fish species in India lies in the Bhagirathi–Hooghly component of the Ganga River system. The aim of the study was to examine if traditional Hilsa fisheries in India are sustainable as the livelihood of artisanal fishers in light of the socio-economic conditions of Hilsa fishers in West Bengal. Structured socio-economic surveys were conducted with 402 fishermen from the upper stretch of river Hooghly to its lower stretch (300 km) in West Bengal during 2020–2021. The average monthly income of the Hilsa fishers in the lower stretch of river Hooghly (Godakhali) (₹25,000–30,000/USD 301–361) was higher than that in the upper stretch at Farakka (₹10,000–15,000/USD 120–180). However, fish species other than Hilsa are generating significantly higher returns for 56% of fishers in the Hooghly district; 40% of Hilsa fishers in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad (Farakka) districts are engaged in non-fishery activities for livelihood. There are significant differences between Hilsa fishers with other fisheries as secondary occupations and those with non-fishery activities as secondary occupations in terms of socio-economic characteristics. These imply that Hilsa fisheries are profitable as a continued traditional livelihood, but it alone is not sufficient enough to support the livelihood of the artisanal fishers. This indicates the threatened economic sustainability of the Hilsa fisheries sector at present. Considering the high market demand for Hilsa in the eastern and north-eastern regions of India and the market complexities, more significant investments need to be channeled into the Hilsa fisheries of the northern Bay of Bengal region. Such investments encompass a wholesome approach, including more governmental initiatives for conservation and management.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2571581X
Volume :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.450fd60c666f4313b84d3b17e0bfa592
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1310077