Impacts of fishing bans for conservation on hilsa fishers' livelihoods: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This study assesses the impacts of fishing bans in Bangladesh on the livelihoods of hilsa fisher communities and opportunities for improvement. This study found that although the bans have resulted in higher total hilsa fish catch, the two-month complete bans in five sanctuaries have created a range of negative impacts on the dependent livelihoods. The fishers’ income has reduced and the chance of longterm indebtedness has increased.