Availability of fishes in sundarban estuary and dependence of local people on fishing for their livelihood

Sundarban is a mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of the Gangas, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in Bay of Bengal stretches from Hoogly River in West Bengal, India to Baleswar river in Bangladesh. It consists of closed and open mangrove forests, agricultural lands, mudflats and barren lands. It is intersected by multiple tidal streams and channels. Sundarbans are enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is rich in biodiversity having 445-faunal wildlife, including 163 Aves, 22 Condrichthyes, 154 Osteichthyes, 40 Mammals, 58 Reptiles and 8 Amphibians. The estuarine system with intricate network of canals and creeks of Sundarbans fringed with thick mangrove foliage, offer excellent nursery ground for most of the brackishwater finfish and shellfish. Millions of tiny larvae, post-larvae or juveniles of several species enter into the ecosystem along with high tides. Mangrove forests in estuaries are rich in many resources, sustaining the livelihoods of individuals residing in and around these ecosystems. Mangroves serve as a protective barrier against cyclones, storms, and tidal surges, safeguarding the local population and their livelihoods. Mangrove forests provide fuel-wood, fodder and small-timber but mangrove wetlands harbour fishes, crabs and other edible invertebrates. The Finfish, shellfish, and other food sources obtained from mangroves are essential for the food security of coastal people. Being motivated with regular income, poor population of Sundarbans has accepted the profession of collection of fish-seeds as an important source of earning. Thus economically, mangroves support livelihood opportunities for coastal communities through fisheries and ecotourism.