1ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpur, West Bengal
2ICAR-Central Fisheries Research Institute, North Eastern Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam
3College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University, Lembuchhera, Tripura
This paper has studied the knowledge, attitude and practices on sustainable fisheries management by collecting data from 180 fishers using structured interview schedules. The fishers were from the vicinity of three wetlands (beels), two from West Bengal and one from Assam. The study has found that the majority of fishers (68.5%) had correct information. About 65 per cent of the fishers have been found to posses positive attitude on sustainable fisheries management. The study has found that despite a significant number of fishers having correct knowledge and positive attitude, only 48 per cent followed right practice towards resource sustainability/conservation. The regression model has shown that education and years of experience influence the correct statement regarding knowledge, attitude and practice positively. Commensurate with the global trend of ensuring fishers’ participation in development plans for management of fisheries, the paper has suggested to encash the correct knowledge and positive attitude of the fishers and make them one important player in resource conservation plans. On the other hand, the fishers and local communities will need to take more responsibility for conservation of resources, of course, with the assistance and support of the government.
Wetlands, sustainability, fishers, fisheries resource, sustainable management
