Livelihoods of Otter fishers` in the South-Western zone of Bangladesh

Authors

  • Abu Bokkar Siddique Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong & Aquaculture Specialist, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation
  • Tasnim Jahan Surovi Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v8i2.55495

Keywords:

Otter-fishing, Ancient fishing techniques, Vulnerable fishing community

Abstract

Fishing with otters is an ancient fishing technique in Bangladesh, exists only in the south-western part of the country with smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata). The present study was carried out to portray this unique fishing technique and to investigate otter fishers` livelihood status in Narail District. Fishing with otters is carried out at night in the Chitra and the Nabaganga rivers, involving at least four people, a boat, a net, 2-3 adult tamed otters and 1-2 immature trainee otters. The socio-economic conditions and livelihood status of the otter fishers` were found as not-satisfactory level whereas about 75% of total 36 fishermen were termed as very poor and they don`t have their own boat and nets for fishing. All of the surveyed fishers belong to the Hindu religion and less access to education, pure drinking water, and a healthy sanitation system. Due to scanty income, and resultant low-living standard, 14 otter fishers were found changed their ancient profession. Therefore, direct interventions are essential to support improved and sustainable socio-economic condition of the otter fishing community.

Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(2): 249-257, August 2021

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Published

2021-08-31

How to Cite

Siddique, A. B. ., & Surovi, T. J. . (2021). Livelihoods of Otter fishers` in the South-Western zone of Bangladesh. Research in Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, 8(2), 249–257. https://doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v8i2.55495

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Fisheries

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Abu Bokkar Siddique, Tasnim Jahan Surovi

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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