Effects of fish catch decline on livelihood of fishers’ community of the Kalni river

Livelihood Impacts of Declining Fish Catch

Abstract

Over the last few decades, river ecosystems have been increasingly degraded by natural and human-induced pressures, leading to serious consequences for fish biodiversity and fishers’ livelihoods. The Kalni River ecosystem has been severely affected by climate-related factors such as rainfall variability, temperature fluctuations, and flash floods, as well as anthropogenic activities including overfishing, destructive fishing gear, and water pollution. A six-month field survey (December 2023–May 2024) involving 100 randomly selected fishers was conducted using structured questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that 82% of fishers experienced livelihood losses due to declining fish diversity, with 65% reporting severe impacts. Daily fish catch declined across seasons, with most fishers catching only 1.0–2.0 kg during pre-monsoon, 3.0–4.0 kg in monsoon, and 2.0–3.0 kg in post-monsoon periods. Reduced income limited households’ ability to support education; although primary school enrollment remained high (60% girls), dropout rates increased at higher levels due to financial constraints. Housing conditions improved for 47% of respondents, while 43% reported no change and 10% experienced deterioration. Sanitation facilities remained unchanged for 43% of fishers, improved for 36%, and declined for 10%. Health services deteriorated for 51% of households, and declining income forced 82% of fishers to depend on loans, compared to only 24% two decades ago. Overall, the decline in fish biodiversity has severely undermined the socioeconomic conditions and livelihood security of the Kalni River fishing community.

J. Sylhet Agril. Univ. 12(2): 143-157, 2025