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Taking the Stake ...

This is because lack of awareness, understanding of MPA and its ultimate benefit
in the long run. But it is also believed that socioeconomic conditions of the poor
fishers of Bangladesh coast mostly drive them to fish in SoNG-MPA. Research
suggests that there is connection between alternative livelihood and fishing effort
(Muallil et al., 2013). As sea remains out of the sight of our people, it would not
be possible for enforcement authorities alone to achieve effective
implementation of MPA. Their participation, motivation and alternative to
fishing would be necessary. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD,
1992) also emphasizes the requirement of attention to social dimension. So, for
future of the poor segment of the coastal people and for future of nation as a
whole a detail study through survey would benefit in many ways. It may be
suggested that a complete research on the association of socioeconomic factors
of fishers including their perception towards marine protected area would be a
framework for effective implementation of MPAs and conservation of our
marine resources for sustainable exploitation.

Concluding Remarks
Conservation of biodiversity and conservation of marine resources are
crucial for survival of mankind. According to this demand and to follow up
international call Bangladesh declared first ever MPA in swatch of no ground in
the sea area of Bangladesh. The regulation regarding its implementation is yet to
be seen. But it is sure that for successful implementation, stakeholders
particularly fishers’ involvement is necessary for which study on fishers’ socio
economic condition and their perception would be useful for formulating viable
strategy. Moreover, stakeholders’ perception of hazards like grounding,
pollution, debris would also affect the MPA. As such, detailed study on these is
imperative for successful MPA for the sustainable future of the marine resources
of our country.

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