The USAID’s ECOFISH II formed Landing Center-Based Fisheries Co-Management Committee (LFCC) of Samraz Ghat, Charfasson, Bhola after holding a coordination meeting with its members have decided to trade-off on illegal shark-ray species and take proactive measures.
The LFCC is a collaborative approach that brings together local fishing communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to manage fisheries resources and activities at specific fish landing sites, known as ghats. The LFCC for Shamraz Ghat was established on May 29, 2023, with 31 members representing the landing center in Char Madraz Union of Charfasson.
This co-management approach is supported by legal guidelines in Bangladesh. To regulate the sea fishing sector, Bangladesh enacted the Marine Fisheries Act, 2020, which replaced the Marine Fisheries Ordinance of 1983. Additionally, the country introduced the Marine Fisheries Regulations 2023, Marine Fisheries Harvesting Policy 2022, Technical Guidelines on Marine Fisheries Management and Harvesting 2023, which, under section 14.7, encourages the formation of co-management activities by involving stakeholders in the development and implementation of a Fisheries Management Plan (FMP).
Samraz Ghat is a key fish landing site in southern Bangladesh, being as a hub for over 500 boats and 100 fish storage facilities. It supports around 6,000 people working in fishing. While it mainly deals with important fish like hilsha, pomfret, and catfish, it also frequently sees illegal trading of sharks and rays. This illegal trade poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity, since it is a busy landing site for 100-150 boats every day.
Bangladesh is a major hotspot for sharks and rays, with several species on the verge of extinction if immediate conservation measures are not taken. These species are highly valued for their fins, gill plates, and skins, which are shipped to global markets.
It is estimated that up to 2,000 tons of dried shark fins are shipped from Bangladesh annually. (WCS_Bangladesh, 2022).
Legal frameworks are supporting the fight against shark poaching. Sharks and rays are the most threatened marine megafauna, with around 36% facing extinction and 17% classified as Critically Endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally binding agreement that assures international trade does not harm wildlife. Bangladesh has been a signatory of CITES since 1981. Furthermore, sharks and rays are protected under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act of 2012, which was revised in 2021. These legal frameworks support the efforts of the Samraz Ghat Fisheries Co-Management Committee in combating illegal shark trading.
The Shamraz Ghat Fisheries Co-Management Committee's devoted efforts unite the community in the battle against illegal shark poaching and trading. Their dedication to marine life protection inspires similar initiatives and demonstrates the effectiveness of community-driven conservation.
Local organizations like Shamraz Ghat LFCC demonstrate how grassroots efforts, together with support from the Department of Fisheries and other relevant government agencies, can make a significant difference in fisheries management and marine conservation. The LFCC's work demonstrates how co-management empowers communities to take ownership of the ocean's and environment's well-being. This method, with strong government engagement, has the potential to lead to greater success in conserving our maritime resources.
Shahidul Islam Kazal
Research Assistant, WorldFish Bangladesh
