Community Perceptions and Economic Drivers of Hilsa Fishery Conservation in Riverbank Villages of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to explore the socioeconomic factors influencing conservation policies and management practices for Hilsa in the riverbank villages of Chandpur. Understanding these variables is crucial for developing sustainable conservation strategies that balance environmental preservation with the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on the resource. We employed a mixed‐method methodology approach that included structured interviews and surveys administered in three riverbank villages (Ibrahimpur, Baghadi and Sakhua); the research examines the relationship between community livelihoods and conservation attitudes. On the basis of a sample of 255 households proportionally drawn, and applying robust econometric techniques such as Durbin–Wu–Hausman (DWH) and two‐stage least squares (2SLS) regression, this study examines the drivers of the willingness to accept (WTA) payment for conservation purposes. The findings revealed that non‐fishing income, age and fishing experience have positive, while access to secondary education and access to credit have negative, effects on WTA. The top model—Agriculture & Migration—describes 94% of the variation in WTA, demonstrating the importance of income diversification in fostering conservation engagement. Despite this, the public are divided in their perception to WTA schemes: Overall, 31.6% support WTA schemes, whereas 36.9% oppose them, and 32.2% are neutral. These results emphasize the importance of participatory place‐based policy approaches that link economic incentives and ecological goals. This study suggests income‐based compensation schemes, livelihood diversification and conservation awareness to balance the environmental sustainability and socioeconomic resilience in river‐dependent communities.