Abstract

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In India it is important to analyze socio-economic and cultural status of the fishermen for the development and long run sustainability of aquaculture. The fishers are the backbone of this large fishing oriented business and only they can play the most important role for the conservation and development of Fishery. A large no. of fishers engaged in fishing activities in the States of Gangetic plain. Among them highest number of fishermen are from West Bengal (28.71%). An important fish Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), on the other hand accounts for 15-20% of the total fish landing of Hooghly estuary and a large number of fishermen are associated with hilsa fish catch. Studied area includes three upstream stations (Tribeny, Barrackpore and Ariadaha) and one downstream (Kakdwip) station in Hooghly estuarine system of West Bengal. Study was conducted from March, 2010 to February, 2012 by taking responses from the fishermen on different socio-economic aspects of their day to day living. In most cases it was found that the Government rules are violated. Mesh size is found below 90 mm range. The juveniles are randomly caught because of their wretched socio-economic structure.
Present study reveals most of the fishermen have kaccha mud built houses. In most of the cases they have either illegal connections or no electricity. Education and health aspects are neglected. In lower stretch the scenario is better to some extent as fishers are having alternative job options. Most of the fishermen used to depend upon hilsa catch as this is a highly profitable business and they are in this profession generation after generation. In downstream they do it in an orderly manner still the grass root level fishermen are facing many problems. They are paid Rs. 1000 in a trip and also a small amount of profit percentage. The boat owners have very large maintenance cost.
During last few decades’ hilsa catch has depleted in the Hooghly stretches. Moreover, the fish catch is passing through many marketing channels. Thus though the fish is sold at market about Rs. 1000 per kg, the fishermen get a small amount of that in both up and downstream.

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