Socio-Economic Conditions of Small-Scale Hilsa Fishers in the Meghna River Estuary of Chandpur, Bangladesh

Hilsa fish (Tenualosa ilisha) have become an essential factor behind the well-being of fishing community, giving fishers their identity as a source cultural heritage. A field survey was conducted to understand socio-economic conditions hilsa at Meghna river estuary Chandpur District using well-structured questionnaire interviews (N = 250) with fishers. The revealed that fishers’ livelihoods and living were still below average due low literacy levels, lack professional skills, incomes. More than two-thirds entirely dependent on fishing, while more one-third had between 11 20 years experience. did not alternative occupation during ban periods, incentives provided by government adequately received half Fishers divided into three groups according dependence fishing. Significant differences found these in terms age fishers, annual income from activity days. Therefore, government, Fisheries cooperatives, NGOs, other relevant organizations must unite support for sustainable fishery management.