Economic assessment and sustainable management of artisanal fisheries: Insights from River Jhelum, Kashmir, India

Shahid Gul; Swadesh Prakash; Neha Wajahat Qureshi; Vinod Kumar Yadav; Arpita Sharma; Shakir Ahmad Mir

doi:10.21077/ijf.2024.71.3.134267-19

Authors

Shahid Gul PhD Scholar at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai
Swadesh Prakash Principal Scientist at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai
Neha Wajahat Qureshi Scientist at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai
Vinod Kumar Yadav Scientist Senior Scale at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai
Arpita Sharma Principal Scientist at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai
Shakir Ahmad Mir PhD Scholar at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2024.71.3.134267-19

Abstract

This study was conducted to comprehensively assess artisanal fishers’ economic and financial viability, relying heavily on a shared resource, namely the River Jhelum. Employing a proportional multi-stage stratified sampling approach, a total of 200 fishers were interviewed across six districts in Kashmir, covering the entire length of the river. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.1, coupled with a positive Net Present Value (NPV), underscores the economic profitability of artisanal fisheries. Constraint analysis highlighted that fishermen express substantial concerns regarding the ongoing decline in both catch and the composition (Garret score: 83) of native fish species, particularly Schizothorax, and pollution in the river (Garret score: 73). Considering the perspectives of all stakeholders, it becomes evident that comprehensive sustainability measures are imperative. To achieve this, multiple stakeholders must collaborate and establish a unified administrative body, solely dedicated to the protection of riverine resources. In addition to implementing a two-month fishing ban and modifying the licensing policy, maintaining a detailed record of daily fish catches, including both biological and economic data, at each fishing site is also crucial. Such actions will facilitate the implementation of optimal exploitation levels for this invaluable inland water resource.

Keywords: Constraint analysis, Economic performance, Financial feasibility, Net present value, Schizothorax, Sustainability

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Author Biographies

Shahid Gul, PhD Scholar at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India
Swadesh Prakash, Principal Scientist at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India
Neha Wajahat Qureshi, Scientist at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India
Vinod Kumar Yadav, Scientist Senior Scale at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India
Arpita Sharma, Principal Scientist at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India
Shakir Ahmad Mir, PhD Scholar at ICAR- CIFE Mumbai

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400 061, India

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