Analyzing socio-economic drivers and their influence on overfishing practices in the Sundarbans mangrove fisheries ecosystem

The Sundarbans is a crucial fishing ground in Bangladesh, provide abundant fisheries resources but face significant risks of overfishing. This study aims to identify the socioeconomic factors contributing to overfishing and explore the challenges faced by local fishing communities, ultimately recommending strategies for sustainability and environmental conservation. The research employed a comprehensive, multimethod approach to investigate the socioeconomic factors contributing to overfishing in the Sundarbans, drawing on insights from both primary data and secondary sources. The findings revealed that 64% of the fishers reported a notable decline in fish catch and income, which was attributed to characteristics of Malthusian overfishing. The study revealed the widespread use of destructive fishing practices, with 33.6% of fishers used both gill nets and Estuarine Set Bag Net (ESBN) nets, over 17% used chemicals and 16.6% creating a dam in the channels. Moreover, 58% of fishers reported the fish stock depletion. Women contributed to fishing, but economic hardships and natural calamities caused significant losses. Challenges to fish conservation efforts stem from inadequate education, ineffective management strategies, poor governance, and insufficient monitoring of regulations, leading to ongoing declines in fisheries resources. To prevent further depletion of the Sundarbans' mangrove fisheries, it is essential to strengthen regulatory monitoring and enforcement while increasing support for alternative livelihoods. The study suggests that global cooperation that can provide resources and expertise for sustainable practices. Additionally, investing in disaster resilience and poverty alleviation will reduce reliance on unsustainable fishing, protecting both the ecosystem and local communities.