CHAPTER IINTRODUCTION

Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather over periods of time

that range from decades to millions of years. It can be a change in the average weather or

a change in the distribution of weather events around an average. Climate change may be

limited to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth. Climate change may be

qualified as anthropogenic climate change, more generally known as "global warming" or

"anthropogenic global warming”. Climate change has both direct and indirect impacts on

fish stocks which are exploited commercially. Direct effects act on physiology and

behavior and alter growth, reproductive capacity, mortality and distribution. Indirect

effects alter the productivity, structure and composition of the marine ecosystems on

which fish depend for food. However, even though the year-on-year rate of

anthropogenic climate change may seem slow, this is very rapid compared with previous

natural change and the accumulative value produces a significant difference from the

"natural" state quite quickly. Climate change impacts such as more frequent and severe

floods and droughts will affect the food and water security of many people.

Bangladesh is thought to be one of the most vulnerable countries of the world to climate

change and sea level rise (CCSLR). IPCC estimates predict that due to the impact of

climate change, sea level in Bangladesh may rise by 14 cm by 2025, 32cm by 2050 and

88 cm by 2100. There are a number of environmental issues and problems that are

hindering development of Bangladesh. Salinity is a current problem, which is expected to

exacerbate by climate change and sea level rise. Salinity intrusion due to reduction of

freshwater flow from upstream, salinization of groundwater and fluctuation of soil

salinity are major concern of Bangladesh. Cyclones and tidal surge is adding to the

problem. Tidal surge brings in saline water inside the polders in the coastal area. Due to

drainage congestion, the area remains waterlogged, increasing the salinity (Abedin,

2010).

Bangladesh in general is highly vulnerable to predicted climate changes that are already

occurring and are expected to continue over the next century. Bangladesh is recognized

worldwide as one of the most vulnerable to the impact of global warming and climate

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change. There is no study on the expected effect of climate change on fisheries in

Bangladesh. However, it is apprehended that the vulnerability of fisheries dependent

communities, particularly open and floodplain fishers will be high if the climate becomes

more extreme. Climate change has both direct and indirect impacts in fish stock which

are exploited commercially. It is evident that natural fish stock will be more resilient to

climate impacts with significant food security consequences for certain populations.

Climate changes directly effects on physiology and behavior of fish and alter growth,

reproductive capacity, mortality and distribution.

The climate in Bangladesh is changing and it is becoming more unpredictable every

year. The impacts of higher temperatures, more variable precipitation, more extreme

weather events, and sea level rise are already felt in Bangladesh and will continue to

intensify. Climate change poses now-a-days severe threat mostly in fisheries sector

and food security among all other affected sectors.

It then considers why climate change needs to be a priority in development planning,

including the inequitable burden it places on the poor and developing countries as like as

Bangladesh. Considering the above facts the present study was undertaken to fulfill the

following objectives.

Objectives

To know the main effect of climate change on coastal region in Bangladesh,

To know the impact of Climate related change on aquaculture in the context of

Bangladesh,

To know the mitigation and adaptive measure against climate change impact for

the fisheries sector.

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CHAPTER IIMATERIALS AND METHODS

This seminar paper is exclusively a review paper so all of the information has been

collected from the secondary sources. During preparation of this paper, I went through

various relevant books, journals, proceedings, reports, publications etc. Findings related to

my topic have been reviewed with the help of the library facilities of Bangabandhu

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU). Information also collected

from Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), Department of Bio-

Environmental Science (BES). I have also searched related internet web sites to collect

information. I got valuable suggestion and information from my major professor and

course instructors. After collecting all the available information, I myself compiled and

prepared this seminar paper.

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CHAPTER IIIREVIEW AND DISCUSSION

1.1 The coastal zone of Bangladesh

The coastal zone covers 19 out of 64 districts facing, or in proximity to, the Bay of

Bengal, encompassing 153 thanas (subdistricts, formerly called upazilas) and the EEZ

(MoWR, 2013). The zone constitutes 32 percent of the area and 28 percent of the

population of Bangladesh (Islam, 2012). In 12 of these districts, 51 thanas face a

combination of cyclone risk, salinity and tidal water movement above critical levels and

are designated as “exposed coast” (Figure 1, green areas). The coastal zone covers an

area from the shore of 37 to 195 kilometers, whereas the exposed coast is limited to a

distance of 37 to 57 kilometers (Islam et al., 2012).

Figure 1. The coastal zone of Bangladesh

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The coastal zone of Bangladesh forms the lowest landmass and is part of the delta of the

extended Himalayan drainage ecosystem. The Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta,

covering most of Bangladesh, is also one of the largest and youngest deltas in the world,

and is still very active. Sixty-two percent of the land of the coastal zone has an elevation

of up to three metres and 86 percent up to five metres (Islam et al., 2012).

The population of the coastal zone of Bangladesh was about 40.8 million in 2010 (only

8.1 million a century earlier). Agricultural laborers, small farmers, fisher folk and the

urban poor make up 71 percent of the 6.85 million households (Ahmad, 2004). The

coastal population is projected to grow to about 43.9 million in 2015 and 60.8 million by

2050 (Ahmad, 2005). Official poverty indicators show a slightly higher percentage of the

population living below the absolute poverty line in the coastal zone compared to the

country as a whole (52 percent vs. 49 percent), while the GDP per capita and the annual

GDP growth rates in the coastal zone are more or less similar to the national averages.

The coastal zone of Bangladesh is prone to multiple threats such as cyclones, storm

surges and floods, as well as earthquakes, tsunamis, and above all, climate change. The

government has identified the zone as an “agro-ecologically disadvantaged region” (GoB,

2005). Scarcity of drinking water, land erosion, the high groundwater arsenic content,

waterlogging, water and soil salinity and various forms of pollution have also slowed

down social and economic developments (Islam and Ahmad, 2004).

Even though only two people were reported dead and no damage to properties was

reported, the effects of the Asian tsunami in 2004 were felt all over Bangladesh, and in

coastal districts in particular. Waves were formed in all rivers in the coastal area and also

in waterbodies elsewhere in the country. Aftab Alam, a geologist and earthquake-

specialist explained “this quake mainly shook the ocean waters which are interconnected

with the sub-soil water tables.” He further noted that “the hydrostatic pressure increased,

and that resulted in water surges in different water bodies across the country.” Ioualalen

et al., (2005) investigated, through a simulation study, the reasons for no impact on the

Bangladesh coast. They noted that mitigation was attributable to the presence of the

extended Bangladesh continental shelf, the non-radiative direction of propagation onto

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the Bangladesh coast that was reached mainly by edge waves, and possible defocalization

by the Nicobar and Andaman island.

During the last 250 years, eight tsunamis, at most, have been reported to have affected the

coast of Bangladesh (Choudhury, 2011). Because of Bangladesh’s low elevation,

Sadhuram (2005) predicted that a tsunami of one meter could severely damage coastal

Bangladesh. It is estimated that at least 6.8 million people are at high risk from tsunamis

(Islam et al., 2010).

1.2. Bangladesh: Country characteristics

The physical, social and economic conditions of Bangladesh are relevant to its status as

one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Bangladesh is one of the largest

deltas in the world, formed by a dense network of the distributaries of the rivers Ganges,

Brahmaputra, and the Meghna, and more than 230 major rivers and their tributaries and

distributaries. The total land area is 147, 570sq km2 and consists mostly of low, flat land.

80% of the land is floodplain, and only in the extreme northwest do elevations exceed 30

meters above mean sea level, making the majority of Bangladesh (with the exception of

the highlands) prone to flooding at least part of the year, with the floodplains of the north

western, central, south central and north eastern regions subject to regular flooding

(MoEF, 2012). Between 30-70% of the country is normally flooded each year. The extent

of flooding is exacerbated by the sediment loads brought by the three major Himalayan

rivers, coupled with a negligible flow gradient, which increases congestion.

1.3. Physiography of the coastal area

Tidal and estuarine floodplains cover almost 98% of the coastal area. Small areas (2%)

with river floodplains and peat basins are found in the northern part of the coastal area.

Tidal floodplains occur in Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirozpur, Jhalukhati, Barisal,

Patuakhali, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar districts. They cover a total of 18,65,000 ha. or

about 65% of the coastal area. Estuarine floodplains occur in Noakhali, Bhola and

Patuakhali districts and in the north-western part of Chittagong district. They cover about

9,37,000 ha. or about 33% of the coastal area (Haque, 2011).

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1.4. Land characteristics of the coastal region

The coastal saline area lies about 1.5 to 11.8 meters above the mean sea level. The

Ganges river meander floodplain systems are standing higher than the adjoining tidal

lands. The tidal floodplain has a distinctive, almost level landscape crossed by numerable

interconnecting tidal rivers and creeks. The estuarine islands are constantly changing

shape and position as a result of river erosion and new alluvial deposition. Peat basins are

Climate Change and Salinity in the low lying areas between the Ganges river floodplains

and tidal floodplains occurring in the western part of Khulna (Karim et al., 1982). These

areas are subject to flooding in the monsoon season and water logging in parts of the

basin areas in the dry season. Tidal flooding through a network of tidal creeks and

drainage channels connected to the main river system inundates the soil and impregnates

them with soluble salts thereby rendering both the top and subsoil saline (Haque, 2006).

2. Fisheries Resources in Bangladesh

2.1. Present status

Bangladesh having the 3rd largest aquatic biodiversity in Asia behind China &

India.

About 800 species of fresh, brackish & marine waters.

Having world’s largest flooded wetland (Bengal Delta) & three main river

systems Ganges, Brahmaputra & Meghna.

In inland fisheries, Bangladesh's position is 2nd among the top ten fish producing

countries of the world (FAO, 2012).

Among the top ten aquaculture producing countries Bangladesh’s position is 4th

(FAO, 2016).

The country has about 710 km long coastal belt.

Area of EEZ is about 1,64,000 km2, which is larger than land area (1,47,570 km2)

of the country.

Fisheries sector contributes 2.73 % of total export earnings and 4.39% to the

GDP.

The sector contributes 22.76% of the total agricultural production & 60% of the

total animal protein intake of the country (DoF, 2011-12).

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2.2. Country Production in Brief

Present fish production (2011-12): 32,61,782 MT

Total Marine catch: 5, 78,620 MT (17.74%)

o Industrial: 73,386 MT

o Artisanal: 5,05,234 MT

Total Inland catch: 26, 83,162 MT (82.26%)

o Capture: 9, 57095 MT (29.34%)

o Aquaculture: 17, 26,067(52.92%)

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), as a single species, accounts nearly half of the total

marine catches, and 10-11% of the total fish production of the country.

o Inter-ministerial cooperation succeeded in implementation of the HMAP

o Juvenile hilsa abundance recorded 35% more than previous years

o Over all hilsa production increased 40% more than previous years

Govt. allocated more money (US$ 0.29 million) for alternate livelihood i.e. cage

culture and other activities of hilsa fishers during fishing ban period.

3. Indicators of Climate Change

Source: NOAA, July 28, 2010

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Figure 2. Ten indicators for a warming world, Past Decade Warmest on Record. According to Scientists in 48 Countries

3.1. Sectoral Impact of Climate Change

Table 1: Climate change scenarios for Bangladesh

Year Temperature Change (oC)

Mean

Precipitation Change

(%) Mean

Sea Level

Rise (cm)

Annual Dec-

Feb.

June-

Aug.

Annual Dec-

Feb.

June-

Aug.

Prediction

2030 1.0 1.1 0.8 5 -2 6 14

2050 1.4 1.6 1.1 6 -5 8 32

2100 2.4 2.7 1.9 10 -10 12 88

Source: Bernstein et al., 2007.

The threat is real. The rising of temperature is happening due to unpredicted climate

change. To compensate the loss of the environment, it is important to do something now

to face the effects of climate change. If we failed to do that, the earth will be overheated

1o C by 2030. It will cause destruction of habitat of many organisms and eventually alter

their physiology. It may cause death of many species.

3.2. Increase Carbon Dioxide (CO2) level

Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas,

and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical

reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the

atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological

carbon cycle. But due to deforestation and climate change Carbon dioxide level

increasing day by day.

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Source: NOAA, 2007

Figure 3. Shows Increase Carbon Dioxide (CO2) level (1960-2007)

3.3. Sea level rising

One of the most serious long-term effects of climate change is rising sea level, which is

driven both by the thermal expansion of the oceans as temperatures rise and by the

melting of glaciers. The soft malleable coast is vulnerable to rising seas. Even if

greenhouse gas emissions were to stop today, scientists believe that warming already

underway will cause seas to rise between one and two inches over the next century. A

Task Force Report predicts that for 1 m rise in the mean sea level will lead to loss of

about 22,889 sq. km of land, which is about 15.8% of the total area of Bangladesh. The

consequence of losing such a vast land will be reflected as change in land use, land type

and displacement of large number of population. Due to sea level rise (SLR) a majority of

the low-lying non-embanked coastal areas will be completely inundated. There will be

increased risk of coastal salinity (both soil as well as surface water, including drinking

water from wells). Land use suitability, particularly in relation to current agricultural

practices will change.

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Source: Allison et al., 2009

Figure 4. Sea level changes during 1970 to 2007.

Tide gauge data are indicated in red and satellite data in blue. The grey band shows the

projections of the IPCC. Third Assessment report.

Table 2. The area of the coastal area which supposed to inundate due to one (1) meter sea

level rise

Region Area (%)

Khulna 65

Barisal 99

Patuakhali 100

Noakhali 44

Foridpur 12

Source: Bernstein et al., 2008.

Meantime, a number of scientific studies have been conducted to measure the sea level

rise and its possible consequences.

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Table 3. Predicted changes in temperature and precipitation

Year Sea Level Rise

(cm.)

Temperature Rise (0C) Percentage of Changes

in Precipitation

2030 30 0.7 and 1.3 rises

respectively in monsoon

and winter

3% less in winter and 11

percent more in monsoon

2050 50 1.1 and 1.3 rises

respectively in monsoon

and winter

37% less in winter and 28

percent more in monsoon

Source: Mahmood et al., 1998.

3.4. Increased flooding

Analysis of past floods suggests that, about 26 percent of Bangladesh is subject to annual

flooding. An additional 42 percent is at risk of flood with varied intensity (Ahmed and

Mirza, 2000). A 10 percent increase in monsoon precipitation in Bangladesh could

increase runoff depth by 18 to 22 percent, resulting in a seven fold increases in the

probability of an extremely wet year (Qureshi and Hobbie, 1994).

Precipitation extremes will result in increased rainwater flooding, both because of the

increase in monsoon rains, and also because of the increased incidences of flash floods

associated with increased intensity of precipitation interrupted by sustained dry spells,

increasing the surface runoff when the rains do come.

Sea level rise will directly result in increased coastal flooding, which will increase in the

event of storm surges. Sea level rise in Bangladesh is higher than the mean average rate

of global sea level rise over the past century, because of the effects of tectonic

subsidence.

Higher temperatures will result in increased glacier melt, increasing runoff from the

neighbouring Himalayas into the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. The recent

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (FAR)

states that glaciers in the Himalayas are receding faster than in any other part of the

world, and this can be attributed primarily to global warming.

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3.5. Increased intensity of cyclone winds and precipitation

The IPCC conclude that there is evidence of a 5-10 per cent increase in intensity (wind

speed) that would contribute to enhanced storm surges and coastal flooding, and also

project a 20 per cent increase in intensity of associated precipitation that would contribute

to flooding. Cyclone winds are likely to increase in intensity because of the positive

correlation with sea surface temperature. In November 2007, for example, the tropical

cyclone Sidr, with a 100-mile-long front covering the breadth of the country and with

winds up to 240 km per hour, hit Bangladesh. The IPCC FAR also note that climate

change will be associated with greater precipitation extremes, which includes more

intense monsoonal rainfall.

Source: Murty et al., 2010.

Figure 6. Number of cyclones making landfall on the coasts of Bangladesh each year from 1901 to 2009.

3.6. Increased salinity

The availability of freshwater will be reduced by increased salinity intrusion into fresh

water sources during the low flow conditions. In the coastal regions this is brought about

by sea level rise resulting in saline water intrusion in the estuaries and into the

groundwater. The effects are exacerbated by greater evaporation and evapotranspiration

of freshwater as temperatures increase, coupled with a greater demand for fresh water in

times of water stress.

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Source: Alam et al., 1999. Figure 7. Salt water intrusion in coastal area

Source: Bernstein et al., 2007.Figure 8. Salinity zone area in Bangladesh

3.7. Climate vulnerability El Niño and La Nina Some studies report that the El Niño Southern Oscillation events influenced the record-

breaking floods of 1987, 1988 and 1998 (Chowdhury, 1998).

The rapid transformation of La Nina from the El Niño phase of early 1998 is said to have

influenced high rates of precipitation over the entire GBM catchment basin. As a result, a

prolonged dry season was followed by the wettest monsoon – eventually leading to the

deluge of the century. Global events can therefore have ominous local weather effects.

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3.8. Ocean Acidification

In addition to warming, the world's oceans are gradually becoming more acidic due to

increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Increasing acidity could harm shellfish

by weakening their shells, which are created from calcium and are vulnerable to

increasing acidity. Acidification may also threaten the structures of sensitive ecosystems

upon which some fish and shellfish rely. Higher sea surface temperatures and ocean

acidification would increase the risks of coral bleaching events that can lead to loss of

critical habitat.

Source: NOAA

Figure 9. Bleached brain coral.

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4. Impact on the Coastal Environment

Source: Bernstein et al., 2007.

Figure 10. Coastal Impacts of Climate Change

In Fig. shows a simple diagram of the influences of climate change and sea level rise on

the coastal environment. The coastal environment can be divided into two subsets:

natural and societal. Terrestrial-sourced hazards include river floods and inputs of

sediment or pollutants; marine-sourced hazards include storm surges, energetic swell and

tsunamis. Some coastal countries and communities are able to adapt to these changes thus

minimizing the impacts of climate change, others have fewer options and hence are much

more vulnerable to climate change. Additionally, human population growth in many

coastal regions is both increasing socio-economic vulnerability and decreasing the

resilience of coastal systems.

4.1. Climate change and the Sundarbans ecosystem

On the basis of different vulnerability indicators for accelerated sea level rise, the Woods

Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), 1986 produced a list of 27 low-lying countries.

The list was headed by Bangladesh. The Bay of Bengal acts as a funnel for storm events,

creating severe storm surges. These can raise sea level above tidal height and devastate a

low-lying coast like that of Bangladesh.

The Sundarbans can be wiped out by a 1- meter rise in sea level (World Bank, 2000).

Loss of the Sundarbans would be catastrophic – a loss of heritage, of biodiversity, of

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fisheries resources, of life and livelihoods and of a very high productive ecosystem. Sea

level rise can decrease availability of light for corals and thereby their growth. It can

destroy St. Martin’s island, the only highly productive coral island of Bangladesh.

4.2. Effect on Bay of Bengal

Average tropical sea surface temperature is predicted to increase by 50-80% of the

average atmospheric change over the same period. Increased temperature may affect the

distribution pattern of some fish species where some of them may be migrate to the

higher latitude for cooler place. Sea level rise may destroy the mangrove forest as well as

destroy the marine fish nursery ground. Atmospheric CO2 concentration is thought to be

increased from 380 ppm to 540-979 ppm by the end of the century and this will cause the

average ocean pH to drop by 0.4-0.5 compared to pre-industrial period. Fish embryos and

larvae are more sensitive to pH change than juvenile and adults. Eggs of the pelagic

fishes might be more susceptible to pH change. Increased level of dissolved CO2 also

reduces the pH of animal tissue and it may affect the marine fish physiology. Global

warming may cause changes in the regional climate of the Bay of Bengal and can cause

increase in the occurrence of intense tropical cyclone and surge. There is some evidence

that regional frequencies of tropical cyclones peak intensity may be increased by 5% to

10% and precipitation rates may be increased by 20% to 30%. It predicts that Bangladesh

is likely to face more cyclone and intensity and precipitation is also high. Tropical

cyclones often cause a temporary decline in the abundance of some fishes due to loss of

critical habitat of food for certain species and also increase the disturbance regime for

fish community. Cyclone Sidr and Aila affected the coastal fishery and fishing ground.

5. Climate Change on Fisheries

Many fisheries already face multiple stresses, including overfishing and water pollution.

Climate change may worsen these stresses. In particular, temperature changes could lead

to significant impacts.

The ranges of many fish and shellfish species may change. Many marine species

have certain temperature ranges at which they can survive. For example, cod in

the North Atlantic require water temperatures below 54°F. Even sea-bottom

temperatures above 47°F can reduce their ability to reproduce and for young cod

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to survive. In this century, temperatures in the region will likely exceed both

thresholds.

Source: Bernstein et al., 2007.

Figure 11. Migration of fish

Many aquatic species can find colder areas of streams and lakes or move

northward along the coast or in the ocean. However, moving into new areas may

put these species into competition with other species over food and other

resources.

Some diseases that affect aquatic life may become more prevalent in warm water.

For example, in southern New England, lobster catches have declined

dramatically. A temperature-sensitive bacterial shell disease likely caused the

large die-off events that led to the decline.

Changes in temperature and seasons could affect the timing of reproduction and

migration. Many steps within an aquatic animal's lifecycle are controlled by

temperature and the changing of the seasons.

5.1. Climate change impacts on coastal and marine fisheries resources

Climate change has both direct and indirect impacts on fish stocks that are exploited

commercially. Direct effects act on physiology and behavior and alter the growth rate,

development, reproductive capacity, mortality and migration. Indirect effects alter the

productivity, structure, and composition of the ecosystem on which fish depend for food

18

and shelter. Climate change stresses will have complex pressure on fisheries and

aquaculture and threatened the fish production and livelihood of the communities. These

changes have major consequences for the productivity and species composition of

fisheries resources in the region (King, 2005).

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is the national fish of Bangladesh. It accounts for 13-14 percent

(valued at around Tk 6 000 million, 1.3 % of GDP) of the total fish production of

Bangladesh. During the last two decades hilsa production from inland waters declined

about 20 percent, whereas marine water yield increased threefold. Major hilsa catch has

gradually shifted from inland to marine waters.

Recent studies reveal that the availability of hilsa is gradually declining in the Padma and

Meghna river catchment areas. Result: hilsa production in the rivers has been going

down, while that in marine waters has been going up. Similar conditions might occur for

other marine fish/shrimp species, but no study has yet been carried out in Bangladesh.

Climate change is likely to adversely affect freshwater and marine fisheries resources in

Bangladesh. For example: the spawning of freshwater and marine species may be

affected. Water temperatures in fresh, brackish and marine waters may go up. Saline

waters may extend further inland in the south of the country. This will alter existing

aquatic ecosystems and production of fish. There may be turbulent weather along the

coast for longer periods, impacting on the livelihoods of fishermen.

These potential impacts must be identified and researched and management strategies

developed, tested and made ready, in anticipation of climate-related changes. One of the

objectives of the UNFCCC is to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so that

ecosystems and their flora and fauna have time to adjust to climate change. Salinity levels

are also likely to increase significantly in the coastal belt. Mangrove ecosystems, which

are already under serious stress for anthropogenic reasons will suffer heavily due to

further increases in salinity. These could alter the entire ecosystem of the Sundarbans and

cause the extinction of some valuable fish/shrimp and other aquatic species. In view of

these expected changes, a systematic monitoring mechanism should be put in place to

assess the impact of climate change on ecosystems and bio-diversity. A participatory

impact monitoring mechanism involving communities and experts will be designed.

Pertinent physical, chemical and biological data will be collected. Changes that take place

19

in livelihood patterns due to ecological and biodiversity changes will be assessed and

policy recommendations and appropriate actions suggested.

5.2. Climate Change and Fisheries: Pathways of Impact

Climate change can affect the productivity or distribution of fishery resources of both

marine and inland waters in a variety of ways:

• Changes in water temperature and precipitation affect the dynamics of ocean currents,

the flow of rivers and the area covered by wetlands. This will have effects on ecosystem

structure and function and on the distribution and production of fish stocks;

• Increased incidence of extreme events such as floods, droughts and storms will affect

the safety and efficiency of fishing operations and increase damage and disruption to

coastal and riparian homes, services and infrastructure;

• Sea level rise, melting of glaciers at the headwaters of major rivers and other large-scale

environmental changes will have unpredictable effects on coastal and wetland

environments and livelihoods; and

• Complex links between climate change, fisheries and other sectors will have indirect

effects including fisheries being affected by changing water demands from agriculture,

changing prices of and access to aquaculture feedstuffs and diversion of government and

international financial resources away from fisheries management and into emergency

relief after extreme weather events. (Source: Modified from Allison, E. H. et al., (2005).

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Figure 12. Climate change on fisheries

5.3. Combating climate changes

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh launched its National Adaptation Programme of

Action (NAPA), in partnership with other stakeholders. It identified adaptation needs to

combat the effects of climate change. The Climate Change Cell in the Department of

Environment supports the mainstreaming of climate change into national development

planning.

5.4. Adaptation measures in fisheries as prioritized in Bangladesh NAPA

• Promoting adaptation to coastal fisheries through culture of salt tolerant fish, especially

in coastal areas of Bangladesh.

• Adaptation to fisheries in areas prone to enhanced flooding in North East and Central

Region through adaptive and diversified fish culture practices.

• Reduction of climate change hazards through coastal forestation with community focus.

5.5. Future climate change strategy and action plan

The Government of Bangladesh is committed to strengthen the country’s resilience to

climate change, reduce risks posed to national development; and development of the

country along a low-carbon growth path. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and

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Action Plan (BCCSAP) is a 10-year programme (2009-2018) to build the capacity and

resilience of the country to meet the challenge of climate change (see box on page 39). It

has been developed through a participatory process involving various ministries and

agencies, research organizations and the business community.

5.6. Role of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute

The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) is at the primary stage of a climate

change study. BFRI has a long-term study programme on hilsa fishery in Bangladesh.

Recently, a programme was initiated on the impact of climate change on the maturity and

spawning of hilsa in relation to habitat degradation. Another technical support

programme is going on – to identify and analyze sound fisheries and aquaculture risk

adaptation options in drought-prone areas of North West and coastal areas of South West

Bangladesh.

BFRI should in future heighten its focus on climate change impact on fisheries; it should

in particular strengthen research as well as survey and monitoring capacity in marine

fisheries – which is presently weak because of absence of infrastructure (vessel) and

technical manpower. The Department of Fisheries is trying to obtain a research vessel for

BFRI through the OIC-supported Marine Capacity Building Project.

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CHAPTER IVCONCLUSION

Climate change impact in Bangladesh as well as in world is high, though the country’s

greenhouse gas emissions are low. The government needs to pay keen attention to issues

related to climate change impact, organize research, develop salinity-tolerant species in

both agriculture and fisheries, and develop a strategy to combat impact. Adaptation costs

should be recovered from coastal resources using economic instruments. Research is also

needed to preserve the country’s biodiversity. Technical and financial assistance from the

international community is essential. Depending on the species, the area it occupies may

expand, shrink or be relocated. No specific research has yet been conducted in these

issues in Bangladesh and countries. A coordinated long-term research project on the

impact of climate change on marine resources in the Asia-Pacific region is an urgent

need. It is highly recommended that next steps to reduce Bangladesh’ vulnerability to

impacts of climate change and sea level rise, concentrate on the adaptation mechanisms

of planning, information management and international actions.

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Alam, M. J. 2009. Climate Change Adaptation: Coastal Aquaculture R & D Options.

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Alam, M., Nishat, A. U., & Siddiqui, S. M. (1999). Water resources vulnerability to

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