Ban of jatka (Juvenile Hilsa Fish) Catching: Views and Coping Options of Artisanal Fishers in Coastal Bangladesh

摘要

This paper examines adverse effects at lives and livelihoods of traditional Hindu fishermen and Muslim fishermen due to periodical restriction on jatka (juvenile hilsa fish) catching in coastal Bangladesh. A total of 100 respondents from both religious groups were purposively selected from four study sites. Traditionally, the Jaladas (slave of the water) were engaged in the fishing profession who belonging to the Hinduism and one of low caste-bound people. They are being put under pressure by incoming Muslims who take up fishing as their profession. This study finds that though Hindu fishermen seriously face dimensions of abject poverty but majority of them follow government rule where Muslim fishers don't care. In coping strategies, majority of Hindu fishermen have psycho-social barrier to change fishing profession. Their coping options are also limited than Muslim fishermen. This paper suggests that policy instruments and fishery management of Bangladesh should give special focus on socio-economic & cultural aspects of those downtrodden people for inclusive development.