STUDY ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE AVAILABILITY OF MARINE DRY FISHES IN CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Marine fishes contributing a very momentous role in the fisheries sector which is a paramount sector especially for the coastal community for their living. Both fresh and dry fishes are playing their essential role in the economy of coastal as well as whole Bangladesh. But there is a huge gap between species composition and quantity of fresh and dry marine fish species availability. Several factors are caused for the gap. So, the study was conducted in two seasons like as monsoon and post-monsoon to observe the different factors that influenced the availability of marine fresh and dry fish species in Chittagong region. Primary data were collected from the selected study areas by questionnaires and interview methods and also observed the related factors, which influenced the variation in species composition of dry and fresh marine species. Present study identified a total of 64 species of finfish and shellfish in the Chittagong region in fresh condition where 28 species of finfish and shellfish were available in dry condition during the study period. The study also identified that seasonal variation is the main factor, which influences the species availability. Harpodon nehereus was the most dominated species in both fresh and dry condition in all seasons. Sun drying and improved solar drying are the main methods practicing for drying of fish in the study area. Climate change, political conflicts, financial crisis, etc. mentioned as major constraints in the drying industry.