Challenges of Artisanal Fishermen: A Case Study from Sonadia Island, Bangladesh

The southern part of Bangladesh is positioned on the orifice of Bay of Bengal and is abundant with marine fisheries' huge potential. Whereas marine resources are considered one of the essential sources of future economic development for many countries, Bangladesh is still lagging in this regard. The country cannot materialise full potentials of marine fisheries since more than 90% of fishers use artisanal fishing equipment, and the reasons behind being artisanal fishers are multifaceted. However, it is crucial to know the challenges of artisanal fishers in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study explored the challenges associated with artisanal fisheries and finds out the solution to help achieve SDGs by providing recommendations. This study was conducted in one of the islands in Bangladesh's coastal area named Sonadia Island to unveil the challenges. Mainly primary data was collected through questionnaire and focus group discussion with the local government elected representative, fishermen association leader, representative of civil society and Upazila level government officials. Secondary data was used to analyse the regulatory and institutional framework. The targets of SDGs were aligned with the importance of artisanal fisheries and the rights of the fishermen. Piracy, local credit system, and complex market chain were identified as significant challenges. Pro-activeness of different government departments can improve the scenario drastically.

孟加拉国南部地处孟加拉湾入海口，拥有丰富的海洋渔业发展潜力。然而，尽管海洋资源被视为众多国家未来经济发展的关键源泉，孟加拉国在此领域仍显滞后。由于超过90%的渔民使用传统渔业工具，且成为传统渔民的原因是多方面的，该国尚未能充分发挥海洋渔业的全部潜力。然而，了解传统渔民在实现可持续发展目标（SDGs）过程中所面临的挑战至关重要。本研究旨在探讨与传统渔业相关的挑战，并提出相应建议，以助实现SDGs。研究以孟加拉国沿海地区的Sonadia岛为基地展开，旨在揭示挑战所在。主要数据收集方式包括问卷调查和与地方政府代表、渔民协会领导人、民间社会代表以及Upazila级别政府官员的焦点小组讨论。此外，还利用次级数据分析了监管和制度框架。本研究将SDGs的目标与海洋渔业的重大意义以及渔民的权利相契合，并识别出海盗行为、地方信贷体系和复杂的销售链条为关键挑战。政府各部门的积极作为有望显著改善现状。