Aquatic Resources in Sundarban

The primary goal of the Aquatic Resource Programme is to put into place an effective management system for the aquatic biodiversity (fishes, crustaceans and molluscs) of the Sundarban, which will both protect vulnerable species and allow sustainable harvesting of fish resources over the long term.

The Fisheries Management System will be based on two major components:

1. Building of a competent fisheries administration within the Sundarban Management Unit of the Forest Department (i.e. the Aquatic Resources Division)

2. Mobilisation of fishermen to participate in fisheries resource management.

The main activities of the Fisheries Management System are shown in the following flowchart:
 

The Fisheries Management System is now beginning implementation. For example, a comprehensive one-year fisheries research and stock assessment study has been contracted out to Khulna University and is currently being implemented. The Aquatic Resource Division has conducted various filed studies and assembled a substantial collection of fish specimens. These are undergoing study. A particularly important finding is the discovery of very rare shark species of the genus Glyphis in Sundarbans waters. 

Giant Gangetic stingray have also been observed   

Over two hundred species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs occur in the Sundarban. The winter fishery at Dubla Char is particularly productive. However it suffers from outdated fish processing technology which adds little value to the catch. Fishermen also face poor living conditions and cause damage to the surrounding forest when they set up their temporary camps anew each year. The project is conducting feasibility studies for improving fish processing and better sustainable infrastructure. 

Ribbonfish hanging on racks to dry

Large croaker in basket truss configuration hanging out to dry

Catch being sorted in fish drying yard

Temporary house of fishermen made of Nypa palm

Cyclone shelter

Improvements will include better freshwater supply and more cyclone shelters.