An empirical study on income and efficiency of pond fish and nursery fish production in some selected areas of Pabna, Bangladesh

The study was designed to determine the costs, returns and relative profitability of pond fish and nursery fish production. In order to attain this objective, a total of 70 producers: 35 producing pond fish and 35 producing nursery fish were selected on the basis of purposive random sampling technique from 6 villages under two Upazilas (Sujanagar and Santhia) of Pabna district. It was estimated that per hectare per year gross cost of pond fish production was Tk 65,918 while gross return and net return were Tk 91,707 and Tk 25,789 respectively. Per hectare per year gross cost of nursery fish production was Tk 87,489 while gross return and net return were Tk 1,39,272 and Tk 51,783 respectively. The findings revealed that nursery fish production was more profitable than pond fish production. Cobb-Douglas production function was applied to realize the specific effect of the factors on pond fish and nursery fish production. It was observed that most of the included variables had significant impact on pond fish and nursery fish production. Out of five variables included in the function, all the variables had positive impact on return from pond fish production but stock value of pond, material cost and pond area had positive impact on return from nursery fish production.

Impact of Bashundhara Baridhara Housing Project on the status, abundance and species diversity of fish in Bashundhara Housing lake in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A study on the status of fisheries and environmental impact assessment (EIA) was conducted on Bashundhara Baridhara Housing Project (BBHP), Dhaka, Bangladesh for prediction and measure the effects of housing project related development activities that have already been implemented and planned for future implementation. The project is still under development phase and so far allotted 10,000 plots of different sizes. The study shows that the original water bodies and natural fish production there from have greatly declined due to earth filling carried out for development of land for the housing. The physico-chemical parameters of the existing water body within the project area were found to be suitable for fish farming in the estate. A number of economically important fish species are found available in the existing lake. However, the natural fisheries resources of the existing lake is under great stress due to the changes made in the ecosystem, siltation, construction of building and dumping of house building and household waste materials. This has caused some important fish species of the lake to become critically endangered and vulnerable which have been documented in this paper. Appropriate regulatory and mitigating measures with respect to water management, disposal of construction garbage and other biomedical toxic substances far away from the water bodies are required to be taken to keep the water safe and suitable for fish production as well as for multipurpose use of the lake water.

Population dynamics and the management of the Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta from the Bay of Bengal

FiSAT program was used to estimate population parameters of Rastrelliger kanagurta from length frequency data. Loc and K were found to be 27.4 em and 0.90 year1 respectively. The Wetherall plot provided an estimate of Loc and Z/K were 26.7 cm and 4.683 respectively. The annual rate of natural and fishing mortality were estimated as 1.71 and 3.21 respectively. The exploitation rate was 0.652. The selection pattern L50 was 18.09 cm. Recruitment pattern suggests two seasonal pulses one in March-May and another in September-October. Peak recruitment appeared in March-May. Maximum yield could be achieved by decreasing length at first capture to 13.0 em. The relationship between total length and body weight was found to be W = 0.01583 L8952. Yield and stock prediction analysis suggested that highest yield and price could be achieved by decreasing the fishing mortality to 2.0 coefficient rate.

Impact of community-based fisheries management practices on production and species diversity in Turag-Bangshi basin floodplains in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to investigate the communities perception and compliance to community-based fisheries management (CBFM) in Turag-Bangshi floodplains under Kaliakoir, Gazipur District. Measures such as ban on use of the harmful fishing gears, seasonal fishing closure, halt of fry fishing, halt of dewatering of beels and the impact of establishment of sanctuaries on fish production and species diversity were introduced by MACH project. Almost all members of the communities in Turag-Bangshi MACH (Management of Aquatic Ecosystem through Community Husbandry) site welcomed the introduction and complied with the implementation of all management measures which helped stopped use of harmful fishing gears, ensured survival and breeding of brood fish in the rainy season, protected and allowed fry to grow big, restored lost and degraded fisheries and organized communities for sustainable development of the fisheries. A total of 51 species of fishes were found in Makosh beel (natural depression). Among these, small indigenous species (SIS) under Cyprinidae family (Puntius sophore) was the most dominant. Many species available in the past recorded disappeared from the Makosh beel due to loss of habitat and industrial pollution that damaged spawning and nursery grounds of fish. Introduction of some selective native endangered species (Nandus nandus, Notopterus notopterus, Ompok pabda and Labeo calbasu) by MACH in the Turag-Bangshi water bodies increased diversity of species from 82 to 95. Over a period of five years during MACH intervention, the average production remained nearly 200% higher than the baseline production of 57 kg/ha to present 207 kg/ha due to maintaining sanctuaries and the closed fishing seasons. Per capita daily fish consumption of the surrounding communities also increased by 78% (from 27 to 48 g/person/day) which is much higher than the national average fish consumption in Bangladesh. The implementation of community-based MACH project management measures substantially improved fish habitat, production, consumption and socio-economic conditions of the surrounding communities. The model can be used to improve the floodplains of Bangladesh.

Comparison of benthic fauna of two beels under different management system

A comparative study of benthic fauna between Rajdhala beel and Padmai beel of Netrakona District under different management system was carried out from July 1999 to January 20OO. An average number of 1113 and 1175 organisms/m2 were obtained from Rajdhala heel and Padmai beel respectively. A total of 22 taxa belonging to 8 diverse groups, Oligochaetes, Chironomids, Molluscs, Ceratopogonids, Diptera (other than Chironomids and Ceratopogonids), Ephemeroptera, Leeches and Crustaceans were recorded. Oligochaetes were dominated and constituted 46% and 49% ofthe total benthic population in Rajdhala heel and Padmai beel respectively. The next dominant group was the Chironomids, which constituted 31% and 30% of the total benthic population in Rajdhala beel and Padmai beel respectively. The highest number 1279 and 1437 individuals/m2 of benthic fauna was recorded in December from Rajdhla beel and Padmai bee! in respectively. The lowest number of benthic fauna 869 and 914 individuals/m2 were found during September and July from Rajdhala beel and Padmai beel respectively. Monthly variation of benthic fauna among two beels were found statistically significant (p<0.05). The numerical distributions of benthic fauna was found to be varied with depth ranges. However, the depth wise variation of total benthic fauna between two heels was not found statistically significant. Fish yield of Rajdhala beel (488 kg/ha/yr) was appreciably higher than the Padmai beel (250 kg/ha/yr).

Investment in fish seed multiplication farms in Bangladesh: Evidences of an attractive business

This study mainly evaluated the profitability of Fish Seed Multiplication Farms (FSMFs) having hatchery, nursery and hatchery-cum-nursery located in the districts of Jessore, Jhenidah and Narail in Bangladesh. The general findings of the study were that the investment in FSMFs with hatchery, nursery and hatchery-cum-nursery was highly profitable business. The results clearly indicated that the investment on hatchery was the most profitable than those of nursery and hatchery-cum-nursery operations from the viewpoints of individual investors. The results of sensitivity analysis suggested that the investment in nursery farm was a risky business with 20 per cent increase in operation and management as well was production costs or 20 per cent reduction in benefits if other things remaining the same. It was also evident from the study that the investors of FSMFs had currently been facing some crucial problems, which among others are: problems of inbreeding, shortage of brood fish, incidence of diseases, unavailability of certain inputs and lack of credit.

Culture potentials of bata, Labeo bata under semi-intensive management system

Small indigenous fish species (SIS) provide food, nutrition, subsistence and supplemental income to a great majority of the people particularly the poor and disadvantaged people of Bangladesh. To date nobody explored the possibilities of culturing these species in combination with the indigenous major carps viz. catla, Catla catla; rohu, Labeo rohita, and mrigal Cirrhinus cirrhosus and grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus. An experiment on the polyculture of carps with a popular SIS, bata (Labeo bata) was carried out to evaluate the production performance of carp-SIS culture in on-farm condition during 15 March to 15 September 2003. Three treatments each having three replications with different stocking densities of bata were tested keeping the carp species combination and stocking density similar in all the treatments viz. treatment 1 (T1), bata (5,000/ha) + catla, rohu and mrigal (5,000/ha at the ratio of 1:1:1) + grass carp (250/ha); treatment 2 (T2), bata (7,500/ha) + catla, rohu and mrigal (5,000/ha at the ratio of 1:1:1) + grass carp (250/ha); and treatment 3 (T3), bata (1 0,000/ha) + catla, rohu and mrigal (5,000/ha at the ratio of 1:1:1) + grass carp (250/ha). After six months rearing, the production obtained were 2,466±77, 2,395±85 and 2,074±72 kg/ha from T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The highest production was obtained from T1, where the stocking density of bata was the minimum (5,000/ha) while the lowest production was obtained from T1 [sic], where the stocking density of bata was maximum (10,000/ha). Significant difference (P<0.05) exists in the production levels as obtained from different treatments. The contribution of bata to total production was 10.31%, 13.96% and 14.38% in case of T1, T2 and T3, respectively.

A bioeconomic analysis of sustainability of marine fish production in Kerala

The study has been undertaken in Kerala State in India with an overall objective of analyzing the bio-economic conditions of commercially exploited marine fishes for assessing their sustainability in the context of existing management practices. Maximum sustainable yield, maximum economic yield and open access levels of yield and effort were analyzed using Gompertz-Fox growth model. The study concluded that the fishing effort exceeded the economically optimal levels and there is unnecessary wastage of money, manpower and fuel in the fishing industry. The study stressed the urgent need for capture fisheries management in the State which at present follows an open access fishery where regulations exist only in the form of seasonal closure in the monsoon season.

HACCP based management system for improving quality of freshwater giant prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The study was conducted on the present status of HACCP based quality management system of golda, Macrobrachium rosenbergii farms in Fulpur region of Mymensingh. Information was collected on general condition of farms, culture systems and post-harvest quality management. In almost all farms, there is no or inadequate infrastructure facilities such as, road access, electric supply, telecommunications, ice, feed storage facility, vehicle for golda transportation, washing and toilet facilities. The problems associated with sanitation and hygiene was: widespread use of cow dung, poultry manure and construction of open toilet within the vicinity of prawn culture pond. Different grades of commercially available and locally prepared feeds were used for golda culture in the pond. Golda post-larvae (PL) of 40-50 days old were stocked with carp species. The price of golda PL ranged from Tk. 1.00 to Tk. 1.25/piece. The pond size varied from 50 decimal (0.2 ha) to 2.5 acre (1.0 ha) with an average depth of 2-2.5 m. The culture period of golda varied from April-May to November-December and survival rate ranged between 75 and 80%. Production of golda varied from 250-500 kg/acre (625-1,250 kg/ha). Harvested golda were transported to city market within 4 h. Two size grading were generally followed during pricing, e.g. Tk. 500 to 550/kg for >100 g size and Tk. 300/kg for <100 g size. The cost-benefit ratio was found to remain around 1:1.25 depending on availability of PL. Water quality parameters such as, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity and chlorophyll a in five golda farms in Fulpur region were monitored. Water temperature ranged from 29°C to 33°C, dissolved oxygen from 2.28 to 4.13 mg/l, pH between 6.65 and 7.94, alkalinity from 44 to 70 mg/l and chlorophyll a concentration from 61.88 to 102.34 µg/l in the five investigated ponds. The Aerobic Plate Count (APC) of the water sample was within the range of 2.0x10^6 - 2.96x10^7 CFU/ml and of soil samples within the range of 6.9x10^6 - 7.73x10^6 CFU/g. Streptococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Salmonella sp. were isolated from pond water and sediment. Different feed samples used for golda was analyzed for proximate composition. Moisture content ranged around 14.14-21.22%, crude protein 20.55-44.1%, lipid 4.67-12.54% and ash 9.7-27.69%. The TVB-N values and peroxide values of feeds used as starter, grower and fish meal were found within the acceptable ranges and samples were free from pathogenic organisms. A training was organized for the golda farmers on HACCP, water quality and post-harvest quality management of prawn.

Study on regional differences in soil-water characteristics and their relevance to aquaculture productivity and fish disease

A total of 45 ponds used for fish polyculture were investigated in three zones of Bangladesh to identify the differences among the zones in respect to aqua-ecology, culture practices, fish productivity and health management. Four hundred and fifty fish from three zones were clinically examined by naked eye and histopathology. Out of total number of fish examined, 45 fish from Dhaka zones were examined for parasites and bacteria in addition to histopathology. Faded and haemorrhagic gill, skin, fin, scale loss and lesions were observed during fish examination. Aeromonas spp. Pseudomonas spp. and Streptococcus spp. were isolated respectively from 56%, 46% and 39% affected fish. Among the five water quality parameters analyzed, the highest average hardness and alkalinity respectively were recorded in Rajshahi (156 ppm and 142 ppm) followed by Dhaka (146 ppm and 132 ppm) and Chittagong (81 ppm and 90 ppm). The highest average pH was recorded in Mymensingh (7.52) followed by Rajshahi (7.13) and Chittagong (7.05). Water holding capacity of soil in Rajshahi zone was poor compared to other zones and farmers were found to be reluctant to fish farming.

Quality control in the Indian fish processing industry

Quality control is defined as the continuing assessment of a current operation. It is usually the responsibility of an individual or a department directly responsible to the management. In the case of fish and fishery products, quality control includes all the steps taken to protect the quality of the material since catch until it reaches the consumer.

A characterization of community fish refuge typologies in rice field fisheries ecosystems

In rural Cambodia, fish is a source of food and income to millions of people. However, there has been a real threat to fish populations in natural wetlands due to the degradation of aquatic biodiversity and habitat, illegal fishing, increase of population and demand for fish, and the use of harmful pesticides for agriculture. The Rice Field Fisheries Enhancement Project (RFFEP) seeks to rebuild and protect the fish populations through innovative methods. The project works with communities to sustainably strengthen the rice field fisheries near their villages by improving protected habitats called "community fish refuges". This handbook characterizes rice field fisheries that are connected to community fish refuges. Community fish refuges are designated fish conservation areas promoted by the Fisheries Administration of the Royal Cambodian Government. It also examines the characteristics of rain-fed rice field ecosystems that are connected to community fish refuges in order to further refine descriptive criteria and better understand potential benefits and management strategies.

Use of aspirator for aeration in fish culture

A description is given of the use of an aspirator in fish culture and hatchery water management in order to solve the problem of dissolved oxygen depletion. Trials show that a single aspirator can be used efficiently when using 1,000 litres of water for bioassays, breeding experiments, or hatchery management work with continuous flow or recirculating systems.

Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) in Sunamganj district of Bangladesh: the nature of cooperation and conflicts

There are altogether 411 haors comprising an area of about 8000 square kilometer, covering 25% of entire region dispersed in the districts of Sunamgonj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Hobigonj, Netrokona and Kishoreganj. Sunamganj district is particularly known as a district of haors and baors where a large number of people depend on fishing for their livelihood. Some people are basically fishermen and fish all the year round. Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) project has been initiated in this area to develop fishery sector as well as for the development of the inland fishermen of haor area. Healthy cooperation among the beneficiaries of the project is very much present and some NGOs are found working actively there to help the fishermen for the sound implementation of the project. But the influentials of different villages around create troubles and conflicts intentionally in the project area because of which fishermen cannot fish smoothly and the implementation of the project is getting hampered. Therefore, a kind of consensus needs to be reached among the inhabitants of the haor area and a powerful association of the fishermen should be established so that fishing may be undertaken in the beel without having any troubles and conflicts. In this article the conflicts and cooperation that are in existence in the implementation process of CBFM project in the haor areas of Sunamgonj district have been discussed. Some suggestions have been offered in the paper to overcome the existing conflicts impeding the smooth implementation of CBFM project in the fishery sector of haor area under Sunamganj district.

Enhancement of fish production in a reservoir after partitioning by dikes through community participation

A reservoir of 70 acres was portioned by dikes into four manageable big ponds to get more production of fishes at Basurhat, Noakhali, Bangladesh under the supervision of local community through a society of 40 people ownership. Pangus (Pangasius hypophthalmus) @ 20,000/acre, and then fry and fingerlings of different types of fishes such as catla (Catla catla), rohu (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala), grass carp (Ctenophmyngodon idella), bighead (Aristichthys nobili), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), common carp (Cyprinus cmpio) and rajpunti (Puntius gonionatus) @ 500/acre were stocked. Feed containing 25% protein was used two times daily and feed was adjusted fortnightly. After 8 months, all the fishes were weighed 0.80-2.10 kg except rajpunti (150-200 g) and tilapia (150-220 g), and a total of 25 ton of fish was harvested which was five times higher than the previous production under signal ownership. The production of fishes were increased after partitioning the lake with dikes due to proper management and control.