<p>Assessing Broodstock Management Knowledge Among Fish Hatchery Operators: A Case Study of Rural Bangladesh</p>

This study assessed the level of broodstock management expertise among fish hatchery owners in a few chosen Bangladeshi rural districts. Data were obtained from government-registered hatchery owners who had five or more years of operational experience. Knowledge was assessed using 18 open-ended questions relating to broodstock selection, nutrition and feeding management, and water quality management. Pearson's correlation and linear multiple regression analysis were used to identify knowledge and socio-economic characteristics relationships. The results showed that the hatchery owners were highly knowledgeable, with the nutrition and feeding management having the highest standardized knowledge index. Knowledge was significantly related to age, education, household size, hatchery operational area, annual income, and training exposure. Regression analysis showed that knowledge was jointly explained by age, education, household size, and training in 28.9%. Notably, knowledge acquisition was positively impacted by age, education, and training, but household size had a negative effect. These results show that hatchery owners have a great deal of experience, especially in routine operational areas, but there are still gaps in advanced scientific techniques including genetic management, broodstock selection, and environment-specific decision-making. It is advised to implement focused training programs, hands-on demonstrations, and improved extension services to increase the sustainability and productivity of hatchery-based aquaculture.