Assessment of market share of diverse marine fish species in Chattogram, Bangladesh

This study meticulously evaluates the market share of marine fish species in the local markets of Chattogram district from September 2022 to February 2023. Surveys were conducted across 30 markets including five 5 wholesale and 25 retail markets. ensuring representation of urban, suburban, and rural locales. The analysis scrutinized market structures based on locational attributes, market typologies, temporal factors, accessibility, source of fish arrivals, market behaviors, species traded, demand fluctuations, supply chain efficacy, and pricing mechanisms. Surveys were conducted each day during the early morning trading period (6:00–10:00 AM), when the highest volume of fresh marine fish arrives at the markets. A total of 50 marine species were cataloged, with hilsa, tuna, pomfret, jewfish, and catfish comprising 10.81%, 15.07%, 12.93%, 32.39%, and 5.76% of the market share, respectively. Advanced statistical methodologies, including regression and cluster analyses via SPSS, R, & Python, were employed to elucidate factors influencing market contributions and price variability. Comparative analyses revealed significant disparities between markets with high and low supply levels, highlighting underlying economic impacts. Price variation studies, particularly concerning Tenualosa ilisha and Auxis rochei, incorporated considerations of transportation costs, market proximity, and seasonal demand. Key findings indicated that Pahartoli Kacha Bazar, Kathgor Bazar, Kolshi Dighi Bazar, Fokirhat Bazar, and Bohoddarhat Bazar boasted the highest fish supplies, whereas Noyabazar Bazar, Jhautola Bazar, Barishal Bazar, and Chowdhuryhat Bazar exhibited the lowest. The study advocates for robust governmental policies to enhance market efficiency, augment species availability, and stabilize pricing. Furthermore, the environmental ramifications of fishing practices on marine biodiversity were assessed, with recommendations for sustainable practices and conservation measures. Stakeholder interviews and surveys provided qualitative insights to complement the quantitative data. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to stabilize supply chains, support sustainable harvesting, and conserve commercially important marine species in the Chattogram region.