IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SEA-GOING FISHERS: A CASE STUDY FROM PAIKGACHHA UPAZILA, KHULNA, BANGLADESH

Climate change can severely impact fishermen’s community due to the nature of their profession. This study investigates the impacts of climate change on sea-going fishers in Paikgachha Upazila, Khulna, Bangladesh. A total of 60 randomly selected fishers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions to assess climate-induced changes in their livelihoods. Field data reveal that 100% of the respondents experienced reduced fishing duration due to frequent storms, erratic sea behaviour, and early seasonal changes. Around 40% of fishers have shifted to alternative professions, and approximately 40% of local residents have migrated over the past 20 years due to climate-related livelihood disruption. In 2022, 90% of fishers lost their prawn farms owing to saline water intrusion and elevated water temperatures. Climatic trend analysis using Bangladesh Meteorological Department data confirms an increasing pattern in mean temperature per year (+0.014℃) and rainfall (+7.22 mmyr-1) in coastal regions over the past three decades. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted adaptation strategies, safety protocols, and livelihood diversification to support the resilience of this vulnerable population.