CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS ON THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES IN THE NORTHERN PART OF BANGLADESH AND ASSOCIATED ADAPTATION MEASURES

Abstract

Bangladesh is the sixth-most climate-vulnerable nation in the world. As a result, scientists have focused more on studying the connections between aquaculture, adaption techniques, and the effects of climate change in recent decades. This paper aims to evaluate the degree of awareness and perception regarding climate change, as well as the adaption tactics used by small-scale aquafarmers. Data for the study were gathered through focus groups, key informant interviews, household surveys, and exploratory surveys. The results of the study demonstrate that there have been considerable changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Fish farmers exhibit considerable knowledge about climate change, drawing information from several sources such as newspapers, television, extension workers, and the internet. Fish farmers have implemented several adaptation strategies, including netting, pond irrigation, long dikes, aerators, fish density reduction, crop rotation, feed management, and feeding, to combat the impacts of floods, cyclones, droughts, and cold waves. In the face of changing environmental conditions, the emphasis should shift towards adapting climate-resilient culture fisheries as part of a climate-smart aquaculture strategy to enhance nutritional security for the growing population. There are already established integrated farming systems in operation, including agri-aquaculture-based systems, livestock-based aquaculture systems, and agri-aqua-livestock integration. A number of cutting-edge technologies, such as community-based aquaculture, cage/pen culture, high dike cropping, aquaculture liners, species diversification, and greenhouse aquaculture, have also been developed as a result of scientific advancements in the integrated farming concept. These practices contribute significantly to improving production, reducing the impacts of climate change, and avoiding contributions to climate change.