Tri-County Disparities in Hilsa Conservation Management Reveal Varying Approaches Among India, Bangladesh and Myanmar
Labanya Sarkar
Research Scholar of Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India, 723104
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4806-2707
Rinku Pati
Research Scholar of Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India, 723104
Moumita Mahato
Research Scholar of Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India, 723104
Shampa Mandal
Research Scholar of Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India, 723104
Dr. Ashim Kumar Nath
Professor of Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India, 723104
Published online:8 August, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/boesd.2024.e03.009
Keywords: Disparity, Conservation, Sustainability, Tri-country
Abstract:
The Hilsa is a valuable, migratory fish species in the rivers, estuaries and coastal regions of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. However, these bistate conservation partnerships across these three nations have revealed inconsistencies in the approaches to conservation management as influenced by their policy systems, legal instruments and actors’ agendas. This study explores the changes in the three-counties’ conservation efforts with regard to the Hilsa fish; these include: protection of its natural habitat, regulation of fishing activity and involving the community. While Bangladesh has taken strong regulatory approaches such as seasonal closure and no take zones, India continues to support community-based approaches and context-oriented co-management strategies. Myanmar, on the other hand has been found to have ‘low regulatory enforcement’ thereby denying conservation efforts required impetus. These disparities are further conditioned by socio-economic differences, and with reference to Hilsa fisheries especially, differences in dependence on this fish resource for food and income. From 2010 to 2015, estimates show that Bangladesh accounted for the largest Hilsa fish catch at 86.7%, followed by India at 8%, and Myanmar at 4%. Various natural and man-made factors currently hinder Hilsa fishing and threaten its future sustainability, necessitating immediate intervention. This manuscript examines the efforts undertaken by India, Bangladesh and Myanmar to ensure the sustainability of Hilsa fishing, along with their future strategies for control and enhancement.
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How to Cite
Labanya Sarkar, Rinku Pati, Moumita Mahato, Shampa Mandal and Ashim Kumar Nath (2024). Tri-County Disparities in Hilsa Conservation Management Reveal Varying Approaches Among India, Bangladesh and Myanmar © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Nithar Ranjan Madhu, Dr. Tanmay Sanyal, Dr. Koushik Sen, Professor Biswajit (Bob) Ganguly and Professor Roger I.C. Hansell (eds.), A Basic Overview of Environment and Sustainable Development [Volume: 3], pp. 152-164. ISBN: 978-81-969828-3-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/boesd.2024.e03.009
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