Navigating Vulnerabilities and Responses for Transitioning to Viability in the Small-Scale Fisheries of Bangladesh

This meta-analysis examines 97 case studies to synthesize vulnerabilities and responses within small-scale fisheries (SSF) across seven aquatic ecosystems in Bangladesh, revealing multifaceted threats in social, economic, biophysical, governance, and technological contexts. Small-scale fisheries in coastal environments represent the highest vulnerabilities, followed by riverine, floodplain, mangrove, marine, estuarine, and lake ecosystems. Responses to these vulnerabilities are complex and multifaceted, and shaped by short-term and long-term strategies. Individual, household, or family-level responses are more common than those taken collectively at the state, community, society, or agency levels. Reliance on social networks and food aid are frequently used short-term responses, while governance strategies and capacity development are common long-term responses. This study offers novel understanding of vulnerabilities and responses of SSF communities in Bangladesh, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies, multilevel governance and community actions that can facilitate strengthening of resilience of SSF communities and their transitions to viability in Bangladesh.