Identification and preservation of fish and mollusk organisms of the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, Bangladesh

Abstract: The fisheries of the Sundarbans are very significant for local economy and livelihoods of thousands of poor people living around the forest. There are many other stakeholders. These mangrove wetlands play an important role in enhancing the fishery production of the adjacent waters by exporting organic and inorganic nutrients. Survey among the fishermen revealed that primary occupation of the respondents was fishing (95.1%).  Majority of the fishermen (65.9%) reported that the fishes around the Sundarbans areas are available round the year. Twenty-eight species has been found commercially most available during market survey. Mollusks constitute a significant part of the world fishery now a days. The great majority of mollusks are marine, although many occupy freshwater and terrestrial environments. Seven species of mollusk has been found at the study area which has commercial importance. The Sundarbans provide nursery grounds for a number of commercially-important fishes, prawns and crabs. Around one third of the respondents reported that some renowned species has already diminished whereas 61 % has no idea on it. More than half of the respondent believed that preventing poison application and illegal netting can be suitable management option to conserve and improve fish population. The Centre for Integrated Studies on the Sundarbans (CISS) has taken an initiative to establish a small museum of important fishes and mollusks in the centre. Samples were collected, identified, preserved and shelved in the CISS. The outcome of the research, it is anticipated, would go a long way in providing useful information for better management of the Sundarbans fisheries resources.

• Research Project