Aquaculture expansion and its potentiality in the hilly region Bandarban, Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted in five upazillas (Bandarban Sadar, Lama. Alikadam, Rowangchari and Nikhyongchori) of Bandarban hill district to explore the hill aquaculture in Bangladesh. Data was collected through secondary data, personal interview and field observation. Total area of water bodies in the study area was 1096.85 ha where aquaculture system covered 311.9 ha. River covered 45.35% of total water bodies that was the highest whereas pond occupied 36.90%, creek 11.39%, canal 7.18% and farm 1.18%. Single and multiple ownerships of ponds/creeks were equal. In Bandarban7% of the total culture system was semi-extensive whereas 43% of total culture system was extensive. Highest percentage of both extensive (71.12%) and semi-extensive (35.22%) culture production was found in Lama upazilla of Bandarban. Poly-culture of carp species was popular in all upazillas. Total fish production of Bandarban hill district was 1203.77 ton/year and average fish production was 0.93 ton/ha. The percentage of the highest fish protein intake among local groups was 57.14% whereas the highest other protein intake was 58.33%. 90% of the total fish farmers used self-fund for fish farming activities. Unavailability of quality water was identified as the most acute problem in all the surveyed upazillas of Bandarban.