The ocean is the last employment resort, particularly for coastal people. Increased human domination on earth and climatic changes are greatly threatening coastal livelihoods. Therefore, the introduction and improvement of aquatic food production through sustainable harvesting and farming at the edge of the sea for coastal livelihood resilience is important. In Bangladesh, seaweeds (sea vegetables) and green mussel farming have great potential to boost the country’s blue economy, although their culture has been poorly promoted. Marine pelagic small fish is long been considered as trash fish; therefore, they are either discard or sell at a very low price. USAID-funded project ECOFISH II in Bangladesh provided training to the coastal fishing communities and distributed supports for seaweed farming, green mussel farming, and the production of safe dry fish from marine pelagic small fish. In 2020 and 2021, 400 fishing households (HHs) and 200 HHs were involved with seaweed farming and green mussel farming, respectively. Besides, 1000 fishers’ women were involved with safe dry fish production from marine pelagic small fish during that couple of years. Promotion of these technologies boosted the country’s seaweed, green mussel and safe dry fish production at a significant level. Besides, the income of the fishing households increased 15-20% more. Women income increased in the family and eventually improved their well-being status and food security. Fishers’ women produced diversified processed foods from safe dry fish and seaweeds for market niche thus women-led business was established. Through the intervention of the project, non-conventional nutritious aquatic food items become popular seafood items among the local consumers, and “trash fish” turns into “cash fish”. In conclusion, aquatic food production should increase to enhance the resilience of coastal fishers’ livelihoods.
Share this page on your timeline