Adaptive alternative income generating activities by the small-scale fishing communities along the southeast coast of Bangladesh during fishing bans and COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Seasonal closure of fishing severely impacts the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen, compounded by COVID-19, driving them to adopt diverse alternative income-generating activities (AIGAs) which are of great interest to the fisheries managers. This study assessed the impacts of COVID-19 and fishing bans on the livelihood of four coastal fishing communities in southeast Bangladesh, focusing on their diverse options for AIGAs. Eighty fishermen, twenty from each location, were interviewed through structured and semi-structured questionnaires, and Focus Group Discussions. The study revealed that sea fishing, a labor-intensive occupation, was predominantly performed by middle-aged fishermen who are mostly illiterate and have poor livelihoods. The highest catch/trip was recorded in Nunier Chara due to their partial involvement in commercial fishing. During COVID-19, fishing and loans from local money lender were the primary livelihood sources, trapping fishers in a debt cycle. One-third of fishers were jobless during fishing bans with some engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Daily income was reduced by >65% during COVID-19 and >16% post-COVID. Fishermen alleged that government support was negligible during COVID-19 and inadequate during fishing bans with some anomalies in subsidy distribution by local leaders. AIGAs, particularly laboring and small businesses were vital. Though not directly involved in fishing, women significantly contribute to the coastal livelihood through AIGAs such as post-harvest processing, bivalve collection, seaweed culture, and small-scale household production. A co-management strategy involving adult education, skilled manpower development, financial support for promising small-scale AIGAs, low-interest loans, women empowerment, and inclusion of local fishermen in management decisions and implementations are potential remedies.