Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh II

Abstract

ECOFISH II, is a 5-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). WorldFish Bangladesh is implementing the project in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF) in Bangladesh. ECOFISH II also collaborates with universities, conservation organizations, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). ECOFISH II is assisting the DoF in generating science-based information and engaging local fishing communities and other stakeholders in establishing co-management in accordance with the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) framework, with a focus on Hilsa, riverine native catfish (Pangas), and other major coastal and marine fisheries resources. The project also aims at improving ecosystem health and enhancing artisanal fishing communities resilience through nutrition-sensitive alternative income-generating activities (AIGAs) and women’s empowerment. ECOFISH II interventions focus on the Zone of Resilience (ZOR) - Cox’s Bazar district, the Nijhum Dwip Marine Protected Area (MPA), and some important areas of the Meghna River Ecosystem (MRE).