Chapter 1: Introduction

Climate change occurs may be by natural or by human activities. Climate change is now a
hard-felt reality (IPCC, 2013). South Asia is expected to be seriously smacked as it has a high
rate of population growth. The impacts of changing climate on agriculture will therefore be
severely felt in a highly populated country like Bangladesh as it is the main source of
livelihood for almost 50% of the country’s total population. Bangladesh is one of the most
vulnerable countries for climate change like many other coastal countries.

Coastal areas are the areas which are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of global
warming due to the accumulation of land and ocean influences. In recent years, fishers have
felt a change in seasonal patterns in line with climate change due to the climate change in
Bangladesh. There are two types of impacts caused by climate change. The two impacts are
ecological and socio-economic impacts. Ecological changes that occur are changes in fishing
seasons, changes in fishing areas and seasons, increased risk of going to sea due to extreme
waves and strong winds, and hindering fisherman’s access to fishing due to the shallowing of
the estuary and large waves. Changes in fishing seasons are caused by an increase in ocean
temperature and sea salinity, which results in the movement of fish.

Studies have shown that developed countries are more aware of climate change than
developing countries. Despite high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, developing
countries are still unaware.

1.1 Objective
 To assess awareness level of fishermen in the coastal areas to climate change.
 To identify the factors influencing awareness level of fishermen to climate change.

1.2 Study area

The study was conducted among the fishermen at the jele para in the coastal area at dakhin
kattali mouza in Halishahar thana of Chattagram district. This jele para lies at 22.352016 N
latitude and 91.757988 E longitude. Halishahar Thana is known for its diverse population,
economic activities, and cultural significance.

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 Figure 1:
Map showing the study area.

The reason to choose this area for the study was based on the fact that this area was affected
by recent cyclone storm ‘Sitrang’ in October 2022. The coastal areas are most prone to the
effects of climate change in Bangladesh.

1.3 Methods and Techniques

The study used a stratified random sampling method to select 80 respondents from the jele
para. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The respondents were well briefed
about the objectives of the research and distributed the questionnaire to each respondent to
personally tick the responses given in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was framed based
on the Five Likert scale responses. The study recorded a response rate of 100%. and
questionnaire was divided into three main parts: the first part collected respondents’
demographic data including their gender, age, education level, fishing experience, household
size, income, and expenditure etc. The second part was Likert scale based 15 question
including causes, impacts, and mitigation factors of climate change. The third part of the
questionnaire collected training related data whether the fishermen participate any climate
change related training provided by government of NGOs.

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1.4 Limitations of the study

1. The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the
findings to the larger population.

2. Due to the limited timeframe or available resources, the study focused on specific
variables or aspects of the research topic, potentially excluding other relevant factors.

3. The research primarily relied on quantitative data, and a more comprehensive

understanding could have been achieved by incorporating qualitative data or mixed-
methods approaches.

1.5 Conclusion

Bangladesh is a agriculture based economic country. Fisheries is the second economic sector
in agriculture. Climate change greatly affects the fisheries sector of the country especially in
the coastal areas. The study analyzed the awareness level of the fishermen in the coastal area.
Their awareness will help reduce the impacts of climate change on this sector. The final result
revealed that the fishermen are more aware of mitigation factors of climate change than
causes and impacts.

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 Chapter 2: Literature review

Bangladesh is an unpredictable country due to climate risks (Khan & Elahi, 2015). The
country is regularly stricken by extreme weather and calamities, like, monsoon flooding,
drought or shortage of water during dry seasons; suffers from cyclones and storms, also with
changing groundwater depletion (Hossain et al., 2020a; Hossain et al., 2020b). Presence of
floodplains is the dominant land mass of the country and 60% of the whole country is
susceptible to extreme flooding (Shahen, 2020). As an agrarian as well as highly populous
country of the world (Hasan et al., 2015; Hasan et al., 2017a; Hasan et al., 2017b; Hossain
and Hasan, 2018; Hasan and Sultana, 2011), in Bangladesh fisheries sector shares 3.57%% of
the GDP.

The coastal region of Bangladesh has been facing numerous ongoing climatic threats which
have resulted in severe damage to agricultural production, while about 70% of its people
depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Bangladesh is trying to become self-sufficient in
food security and especially after natural disasters, sufficient climate change adaption
measures must be implemented within the agricultural sector (Ayers et al., 2014). Findings
from different researchers (like, Manoj, 2017; Alam et al., 2017) indicated that
implementation of different adaptation practices into the fisheries produced positive results
for farms and income of the fishermen. In this connection, smallholder fishermen are
currently experiencing the effects of climate change which help them to think to adapt diverse
strategies. Meanwhile, Somda et al., (2017) indicated that adaptation planning was
interconnected to fishermen’s awareness about climate change and a good understanding of
climate change is essential for the fishermen to implement appropriate adaptation strategies.

We conducted the current study at the jele para in Halishahar thana of Chittagong district.
This area was affected badly by extreme climatic event cyclone ‘Sitrang’ last year.
Nonetheless, most of the respondents lost their houses and fishing boats by cyclone attacks.
The selected areas of the coastal area of Halishahar thana are susceptible to facing adverse
climate conditions in recent years, demanding that measures are taken to better understand
and address this issue although they don’t have enough carefulness on its’ deeper
consequences.

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 Chapter 3: Analysis

3.1 Awareness Level Calculation

The awareness level scale was developed according to Ochieng & Koske. however, I
modified it with regards to the scope of my study. The awareness scale was developed based
on the three aspects of climate change—causes, impacts, and mitigation with five potential
statements or variables of each aspect. In total, 15 variables were studied. Each of the
variable were assigned with five response Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3
= I don’t know, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree). The strongly disagree and disagree are
negative response and strongly agree and agree are positive responses, while I don’t know is
neutral at 3 in the scale. The overall awareness level towards climate change was assessed
based on these 15 variables each consisting of 5 Likert scale responses making 75 Likert
scale responses in total. Therefore, the scale of awareness level is the summative score of the
responses from each variable. The awareness scale ranges from 15 to 75.

It was expected that a respondent who scored 5 in all the 15 items would have a composite
awareness score of 75 while one who scored 1 in all the 15 items would have a composite
awareness score of 15. Hence, a composite awareness scale ranging from 15 to 75 was
designed.

Low Level of Awareness (15-35)

The fishermen in this category remained negative to the positive statements and positive to
the negative statements. Respondents who fell in this category were considered unaware of
climate change.

Medium Level of Awareness (36-60)

Fishermen in this category had mixed responses in either direction of the statements.
Respondents who fell in this category were considered medium-level aware of climate
change.

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High Level of Awareness (61-75)

The fishermen remained positive to the positive statements and negative to the negative
statements. Respondents who fell in this category were considered highly aware of climate
change.

3.2 Data Analysis

Firstly, the reliability of the five responses Likert scale was tested and proven with
Cronbach’s Alpha of -.364, which is considered slightly good according to rule of thumb.
awareness level calculated from causes, impacts, and mitigations was tested using One-Way
ANOVA at a 92% confidence interval. Mean of awareness level was used as the dependent
variable, while gender, age, education level, fishing experience, training attendance were
used as independent variables. The independent variables were selected as factors for
predicting teachers’ awareness level. Each variable or statement of each of causes, impact,
and mitigation of climate was also determined for fishermen’s awareness level.

3.3 Aggregate awareness on climate change

The fishermen of the study area have a medium level (M=3.71±0.17 on the awareness scale)
of awareness on climate change. Of the three aspects of climate change, fishermen are more
aware of mitigation (M=3.86±0.29) than causes (M=3.69±0.33) and impacts (M=3.55±0.41)
as shown in Fig. 2. Awareness level was significantly different at p<0.05 at 95% confidence
interval.

Table 1: Aggregate awareness

Mean Cumulative
score Frequency Percent (%) Valid Percent Percent
3.40 2 2.5 2.6 2.6
3.47 8 10.0 10.5 13.2
3.53 8 10.0 10.5 23.7
3.60 8 10.0 10.5 34.2
3.67 12 15.0 15.8 50.0
3.73 8 10.0 10.5 60.5
3.80 10 12.5 13.2 73.7
3.87 14 17.5 18.4 92.1
3.93 4 5.0 5.3 97.4

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 4.27 2 2.5 2.6 100.0
Missing
system 2 5.0
Total 80 100.0
Aggregate Awareness
and awareness score on causes, impacts, mitigation

Causes
3.69

Impacts
3.55

Mitigation
3.86

Aggregate
3.71

3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9

Awareness Scale

Figure 2: Aggregate awareness scale

3.4 Awareness on Causes, Impacts, and Mitigations of Climate Change

The aggregate result shows that the fishermen are more aware of mitigation (M=3.86±0.29)
than causes and impacts of climate change. Most of the people (55%) are strongly agreed that
no dumping the garbage especially plastic products on the beach is the most appropriate
mitigation process of climate change showed M1 in figure 3. For this statement, the
fishermen scored the highest mean score 4.5. No respondent is disagreed on this statement.
Only 2% fishermen said that they have no idea about plastic pollution on the beach.

Table 2: Aggregate awareness level on causes

Frequenc
Mean score y Percent (%)
3.20 12 15.0 Causes

3.40 14 17.5 C5

3.60 10 12.5 C4

3.80 18 22.5 C3

4.00 16 20.0 C2

4.20 6 7.5 C1
4.40 2 2.5
2 2.5 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00
Scale
Total 80 100.0

Source: Field study, 2023 Figure: 3: Causes

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The dumping of waste on the beach by the tourist is the most important factors of the
environmental pollution as well as climate change. The industries on the bank of the rivers
are the big source of pollution. These pollution impacts increase the cyclones in the sea and
floods on the coastal area. The climate change also changed the fish catching areas of the
fishermen. Because, as a result of climate change the sea level has been changed. That’s why
fish can’t move everywhere. The impact can also endanger the safety and catches of
fishermen.

Table 3: Aggregate awareness level on impacts

Mean score Frequency Percent (%)

2.60 2 2.5
2.80 2 2.5 Impacts

3.00 8 10.0 I5

3.20 8 10.0
I4
3.40 12 15.0
3.60 14 17.5 I3

3.80 14 17.5 I2

4.00 8 10.0
I1

4.20 8 10.0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
4 5.0 Scale

Total 80 100.0
Figure 4: Impacts

Source: Field study, 2023

Almost 50% fishermen think that the floods, cyclones have been increased as a result of
climate change in that region. Among the mentioned impact factors, majority respondents are
agreed and strongly agreed on this statement. The I2 in the figure 3 shows this factor. They
are more aware of cyclone and salinity as the impacts of climate change in the coastal region.

Table 4: Aggregate awareness level on mitigation

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 Mean score Frequency Percent (%)
3.20 4 5.0
3.40 4 5.0
Mitigation

3.60 8 10.0 M5
3.80 32 40.0 M4
4.00 16 20.0 M3
4.20 8 10.0
M2

4.40 4 5.0
4.60 2 2.5
M1

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

2 2.5 Scale

Total 80 100.0
Figure 5: Mitigation

The potential ways of mitigating climate change as the fishermen are aware through
prohibiting the plastic products on the beach and waste management. The figure 3 shows this
statement. Most of the respondents are aware of mitigation factors to save themselves from
the destructive impacts of the climate change.

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 Chapter 4: Fishermen’s Awareness Level to Climate Change

Climate change is perceived by the fishermen as a result of the following: (1) changes in
temperature and rainfall; (2) wind changes; (3) extreme climate events such as floods,
droughts, and cyclones; and (4) a shift in the fishing seasons.

4.1 Causes

The awareness of climate change of the fishermen is influenced by the education level,
experience and other factors. The more of experience in fishing, the more of aware of climate
change impacts and mitigation.

Table 5: Causing factors of climate change

Code used in Causes M±SD

figure

C1 Dumping garbage (plastic) on the beach 4.30±0.72

C2 Water pollution due to oil tanker accidents 3.63±0.86

C3 Discharge of contaminated waste from industries 3.90±0.74

C4 Greenhouse gas emissions from fishing vessel 3.10±0.87

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 fuel

C5 Sea water pollution with crude oil from shipwreck 3.60±0.74

operations

Source: Field study, 2023

Dumping waste (plastic) on the beach

The respondents are more aware of plastic pollution as a cause of climate change. Which is
the highest mean value 4.50 in the 5 Likert scale. The standard deviation is 0.72 for this
statement. They think the tourists are responsible for this plastic pollution. 48% respondents
are agreed and strongly agreed on this factor. 8% fishermen have no idea about plastic
pollution on the beach as well as climate change factor. Only 3% respondents disagreed with
plastic pollution as a major factor of environmental pollution.

Table 6: Dumping waste on the beach

Percent Dumping Waste on the beach

Scale Frequency
(%)
Disagree 2 2.5 3%
8%

I Don't know 6 7.5 Disagree I Don't Know

43%

Agree 38 47.5 Agree Strongly Agree

48%

Strongly Agree 34 42.5

Total 80 100

Source: Field study, 2023 Figure 6: Dumping waste on the beach

The figure 6 shows the percentage of the responses on plastic dumping on the beach by the
tourists or others as the most considerable factor of pollution.

Water pollution by oil tanker accident

In tonnage terms, the most important pollutant from shipping operation is oil (IMO, 1998).
Oil discharged or spilled into the sea can seriously affect the living resources of the sea and
damage the ecosystem. Accidental oil spills from tankers constitute only a small percentage
of the total quantity of oil that is spilled, discharged or leaked into the oceans annually. But
although accidental spills are not the largest source of oil pollution, they are considered the

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most important because of the environmental damage they are capable of causing. ‘While
hydrocarbons produced in the sea are evenly
Percent
Scale Frequency (%) distributed throughout the ocean expanses and those
Disagree 12 15
received through the air are diffused, oil spills lead to
I Don't know 14 17.5
unnatural concentration in a restricted area’
Agree 46 57.5
Strongly 8 10
(Gourlay,1988). Even a small accidental spill can be
Agree deadly in its effects, particularly if it occurs close to the
Total 80 100
coast.

More than 50% fishermen are aware of water pollution by oil tanker accident in the sea as a
major source of pollution. They are agreed on this statement. On the other hand, 15%
respondents are disagreed on this factor. They have no minimum idea of oil tanker accident
as an origin of water pollution in the sea. There can be many factors influencing their
awareness such as education, fishing experience or age.
Water pollution by oil tanker accident

Strongly Agree

Agree
Table 7: Water pollution by oil tanker
accidents I Don't Know

Disagree

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Percentage (%)

Source: Field study, 2023 Figure 7: Water pollution by oil tanker accident

The above figure presents 14 respondents’ (18%) replies were that they don’t know about this
factor. In the Likert scale, their responses were neutral. Their average scores are 3. This scale
refers medium level awareness on climate change.

Industrial waste pollution

Industrial growth has led to increase in quantity of chemical materials used in industry, as
well as in industrial facilities as raw materials. As a result, there is an increasing emission of
organic and inorganic materials into the air, water and soil. The fishermen in the coastal are
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of Bangladesh are more aware of industrial pollution as Chittagong is the major industrial
city in Bangladesh and located in the coastal area. Thus, those industries have great
influences on water pollution as well environmental pollution. They discharged their organic
and inorganic wastes into the rivers. Those wastes then fall into the sea and pollute sea water.

Table 8: Industrial waste pollution

Percent Industrial Waste Polluti on

Scale Frequency
(%)
Disagree 2.0 2.5 20%
3%

I Don't know 20.0 25.0 25%

Agree 42.0 52.5

Strongly 16.0 20.0
Agree 53%

Total 80 100
Disagree I Don't Know Agree Strongly Agree

Source: Field study, 2023

Figure 8: Industrial waste pollution

This figure shows awareness level of the fishermen in the coastal area of Chittagong
who catch fish in the sea. More than half of the respondents (53%) are agreed on this
statement that the industrial wastes are one of the major sources of water pollution in
the sea. The fishermen have to suffer those pollution while they go to sea for catching
fish. Besides this, as a result of industrial pollution, fish can’t survive and die. Only
2% respondents are unaware of this factor. They are totally disagreed that the
industrial wastes are not responsible for climate change. One-fourth fishermen don’t
know that industrial waste is a big source of water pollution.

Water pollution by fishing vessel fuels

The FAO State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report 2008 states: ‘Fisheries and
aquaculture make a minor but significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions during
fishing operations and transport, processing and storage of fish,’ Every ton of fuel used for
fishing vessels produce 2.25 tons of CO2. Red diesel is used by the majority of fishing
vessels. It is also known as marine diesel or gas oil. It is chemically identical to heating oil,
and almost identical to the ‘white diesel’ bought at the roadside. White diesel usually has an

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ultra-low sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm) (0.005%), as well as additives to aid
the combustion process; red diesel has up to 2000ppm (0.2%), their properties being almost
identical.

Table 9: Water pollution by fishing vessel fuel

Scale Frequency Percent (%)

Strongly 2.0 2.5 Water pollution by fishing vessel fuel
Disagree 60

Disagree 14.0 17.5

50
I Don't know 44.0 55.0

Percentage (%)
40

Agree 14.0 17.5 30

Strongly Agree 6.0 7.5 20

10
Total 80 100.0
0
Strongly Disagree Disagree I Don't Know Agree Strongly Agree

Source: Field study, 2023 Awareness Scale

Figure 9: Water pollution by fishing vessel fuel

The majority proportion of the fishermen (55%) are unaware of pollution from fishing vessel
fuels. They don’t know that they are polluting environment with their fishing boats. 18%
respondents disagreed with this statement.

Besides this, 3% fishermen are strongly disagreed that they don’t pollute water with low
quality fuels in the fishing boats. 17% respondents are aware of pollution from vessel fuels
showed in figure 9. They are agreed on this factor. They think low quality fuel used in the
fishing boats pollute water in the sea. But they are unable to use high quality fuels because of
economic status.

Shipbreaking activities in the coastal areas

Shipbreaking activities pollute the seawater environment in the coastal area Chittagong,
Bangladesh. As a result, toxic concentration of ammonia, marine organisms found in
seawater had an increase in PH levels. Extensive human and mechanical activities accelerate
the rate and amount of seashore erosion and results in higher turbidity of seawater. Critical
concentration of DO and higher BOD were found with an abundance of floatable materials
(grease balls and oil films) in the seawater. The ship breaking activity is the most important
factor for climate change in the coastal areas.

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The fishermen’s awareness level about shipbreaking industry pollution is medium level. 45%
respondents replied that they are agreed on this statement. On the other hand, 40% fishermen
don’t know about this. That means almost half of the fishermen are unaware of shipbreaking
industry pollution in the coastal area of Bangladesh (Figure 10).

Table 10: Water pollution by shipbreaking industry

Water pollution by shipbreaking industry

Strongly Disagree
Scale Frequency Percent (%)
Disagree 4 5 Agree

Awareness Scale
32 40
I Don't know I Don't Know

Agree 36 45
8 10 Disagree
Strongly Agree
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Percentage (%)
Total 80.0 100.0

Source: Field study, 2023 Figure 10: Water pollution by shipbreaking industry

Among the respondents of fishermen in the study area, 5% are not aware of shipbreaking
industry’s water pollution in the coastal areas. They are disagreed on this statement. Because
of lacking awareness on causes of climate change, 10% fishermen are strongly disagreed that
the shipbreaking industry in the coastal area is polluting sea water with crude oil and
lubricant. The cause behind this unawareness maybe they catch fish away from those
industry. That’s why they have no idea about this.

Shipbreaking activities contaminate the coastal soil and sea water environment mainly
through the discharge of ammonia, burned oil spillage, floatable grease balls, metal rust (iron)
and various other disposable refuse materials together with high turbidity of sea water. The
high PH of the seawater and soil observed may be due to the addition of ammonia, oils and
lubricants. High turbidity of water can cause a decrease in the concentration of DO and
substantially increase the BOD. As a result, the growth and abundance of marine organisms
especially plankton and fishes may seriously be affected. Indiscriminate expansion of ship
breaking activities poses a real threat to the coastal inter-tidal zone and its habitat.

4.2 Impacts

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 Table 11: Impact factors of climate change

Code used in Impacts M±SD

figure

I1 Sea level rising 2.97 ± 1.13

I2 Increasing floods, tidal waves, cyclones and salinity 4.43 ± 0.59

I3 Changing fish habitats 4 ± 0.96

I4 Decreasing natural breeding and habitats of freshwater 3.65 ± 0.86

fish in the coastal area

I5 Decreasing rainfall in the coastal lowland area day by day 2.65 ± 0.86

Source: Field study,

2023

Bangladesh’s coastal areas account for one-fifth of the total land mass and cover more than
30 per cent of the cultivable land. Currently, the annual sea level rise is approximately 3 mm
per year. Regional variations exist due to natural variability in regional winds and ocean
currents, which can occur over periods of days to months or even decades. The mean value of
awareness level on the impacts of climate change of the fishermen is 3.54. The fishermen in
the coastal area of Chittagong are aware about sea level rising as a result of climate change.
Among the impact factors, they scored highest mean 4.30 in 5.

The respondents are less aware about the impacts of climate change though they should be
more aware of the impacts than mitigations. Because they have to suffer the impacts of
climate change in the sea. Among the impact factors, 3% fishermen are less aware of increase
of the rainfall in the coastal lowlands as the impact of climate change. The aggregate
awareness of impacts of climate change is showed in figure 11.

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 Awareness on impacts

I5

Impact factors
I4

I3

I2

I1

0 1 2 3 4 5
Scale
Figure 11: Impact
awareness level

Most of the fishermen consider the floods, cyclones, and salinity etc. have been increased as
the impacts of climate change in the coastal areas. They are more aware on this factor. The
surveyed communities suffered from all the major disasters that Bangladesh experienced
during the last 30 years. The figure 9 shows that the changing of fish habitats is one of the
most common impacts of climate change in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Climate change
has both direct and indirect impacts on aquatic biodiversity which are exploited
commercially.

Sea level rising

Fisheries are the second largest export sector in Bangladesh. During the survey, the local
personnel outlined some major causes of lower fish diversity in the sea. In winter, the
increase of evapotranspiration and reduction of the volume and favorable fish habitats,
increases the fish kill and challenge the survival of open water fishes. GCM estimates that
temperature will increase by 0.8-1.9°C and precipitation will increase by 4.7-11.8

Table 12: Sea level rising

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 Percent Sea Level Rising
Scale Frequency
(%)
Strongly Disagree 8 10
Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree
5% 10%
Disagree 22 27.5
I Don't know 16 20 Agree
36%
Disagree
28%

Agree 28 35
Strongly Agree 4 5 I Don't Know
21%

Missing system 2 2.5

Total 80 100

Source: Field study, 2023 Figure 12: Sea level rising

Sea level is rising in the Bay of Bengal as an impact of climate change. 35% fishermen are
agreed on this statement. They observed this changing in their fishermen life. As a result of
sea level rising, they have to change their fishing area. Because fish have changed their
habitats. On the other hand, 10% respondent are strongly disagreed that the sea level has not
been changed. They didn’t experience the change. Besides these, 20% fishermen have no
knowledge about sea level rising as a result of climate change in Bangladesh. The figure 12
showed this result.

Increasing floods, cyclones & salinity

A tropical cyclone hits Bangladesh, on an average, every three years. These storms generally
form in the months just before and after the monsoon and intensify as they move north over
the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal. Storm surges are higher in Bangladesh than in
neighboring countries because the Bay of Bengal narrows towards the north, where
Bangladesh is located. In recent years, general cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal has
become more frequent, making the seas rougher and making life difficult for fishermen and
making small craft difficult to use.

Table 13: Increasing floods, cyclones

Percent
Scale Frequency
(%)
I Don't Know 4 5
Agree 38 47.5
Strongly
38 47.5
Agree
Total 80 100

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 Increasing Floods, Cyclones & Salinity

5%

48%
48%

Figure 13: Increasing floods, cyclones I Don't Know Agree Strongly Agree

The figure 13 shows that almost 90% respondents are aware of increase of floods, cyclones,
and salinity in the coastal area of Bangladesh as the impacts of climate change. They
perceived that these events occur frequently as the result of primarily anthropogenic factors.
Their awareness level is good on this statement. Only a small proportion of the (5%)
fishermen don’t know about this factor.

Cyclones and salinity have been increased in the coastal area at a significant level. Most of
the respondents replied strongly agree and agree. That means they know these events are
results of environmental pollution as well climate change.

Fish habitat changes

Areas in the Tropics are predicted to see declines of up to 40% in potential seafood catch by
2050. Sea level rise and consequent changes to the river estuary can trigger changes in fish
habitat and breeding ground.

Penaeid prawns breed and develop in brackish water, where salt water and fresh water mixes.
Sea level rise would turn this interface backward, changing the natural habitat of the prawn
population. The marine fishermen are suffering from this problem.

Almost 70% respondents are agreed and strongly agreed that fish habitats are changing in the
Bay of Bengal. Though a proportion of them don’t know the reasons behind this change.

Table 14: Fish habitat change

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 Percent
Scale Frequency Fish Habitat Change
(%)
Disagree 8 10
I Don't know 12 15 Disagree
10%
Strongly Agree I Don't Know
35% 15%

Agree 32 40
Strongly 28 35
Agree
Total 80 100 Agree
40%

Source: Field study, 2023

Figure 14: Fish habitat change

The study found that 10% fishermen are disagreed about fish habitat changes as the
consequences of climate change. This may cause that they are new in this sector. Because I
have found there some low age group respondents, who came to fishing jobs newly. Among
the respondents, 15% answered they don’t know the fish habitat changes as the impact of
climate change. So, awareness level on this statement is good. The fishing experience is one
of the influencing factors of good awareness level of the fishermen. Most of the fishermen are
engaged in this sector more than 10 years.

Decreasing natural breeding of fresh water fish in the coastal areas

The fresh water fish natural breeding in the coastal areas is adversely affected by the impact
of climate change. The natural breeding of fresh water is decreasing day by day. According to
the latest Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published in
2015, 64 among 253 freshwater fish species are threatened. Nine of those are critically
endangered, 30 are endangered and 25 are vulnerable. Open rivers and other bodies of water
in Bangladesh are dwindling fast due to development interventions, unplanned urbanization,
encroachment and siltation, which are destroying the habitats of indigenous fish species and
other aquatic animals.

Almost 50% respondent in the study are agreed that the natural breeding of fresh water fish in
the coastal are decreasing. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and increased
salinity levels in water bodies can disrupt the natural breeding cycles of fish. These changes
can affect the availability of suitable habitats, alter water quality parameters, and disrupt the
timing of breeding events.

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Table 15: Natural breeding change of fresh water
Naturl Breeding Change Of
fish Fresh Water Fish In The Coastal Area

Percent 10%
Scale Frequency 15%

(%)
Disagree 8 10 30%

I Don't know 24 30 45%

Agree 37 45
Strongly
Agree 11 15 Disagree I Don't Know Agree Strongly Agree

Total 80 100

Source: Field study, 2023 Figure 15: Natural breeding change of fresh water fish

Pollution from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste management
practices degraded water quality in freshwater bodies. Elevated levels of pollutants, such as
heavy metals, pesticides, and fertilizers, directly harmed fish reproductive systems and impair
their ability to breed successfully in the coastal areas.

Sea-level rise, which is driven by climate change, led to increased salinity intrusion into
coastal lowlands. As seawater intrudes further inland, it contaminated freshwater sources and
reduced the availability of freshwater for precipitation processes. The presence of higher
salinity levels in the atmosphere inhibited the formation of rain clouds and reduced rainfall in
coastal lowlands.

4.3 Mitigation

The fishermen in the coastal area of Chittagong are more aware of mitigation factors of
climate change rather than cause and impacts. The mean awareness value is 3.86 in 5 Likert
scale showed in figure 15.

AWARENESS ON MITIGATION

M5
Mitigation factors

M4

M3

M2

M1

0 1 2 3 4 5
Awareness Scale

Figure 16: Awareness on mitigation

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Most of the respondents are more aware of not dumping plastic wastes on the beach and into
the sea. Preventing the dumping of plastic waste on beaches is an important mitigation
measure for climate change. While plastic pollution itself has direct environmental impacts, it
is also connected to climate change through its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
during its life cycle.

Table 16: Mitigation factors of climate change

Code used in Mitigation M± SD

Source: Field study, 2023
figure

M1 Preventing dumping garbage (plastic) on the beach 4.50±0.59

M2 No discharge the polluted effluents of the industries 4.18 ± 0.5

into the river

M3 Recycling waste and reuse 3.33 ± 0.65

M4 Using renewable energy sources instead of fossil 3.33±0.82

fuels

M5 Separate area for ship breaking industry in the coastal 3.98±0.66

area

The table 3 shows that most of fishermen in the coastal areas are not aware of recycling and
use of wastes and used plastic products produced from industries and households.

Preventing dumping wastes on the beach

Preventing plastic waste dumping on beaches is an integral part of broader efforts to mitigate
climate change impacts and protect the environment. Dumping plastic waste on beaches and
in coastal areas harms marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. More than 50% respondents
are strongly agreed on this statement. Because they have to suffer from wastes on the beach
during catching fish. They are not aware on the pollution perspective. They claimed that the
plastic destroys their fishing nets. That’s why they all are agreed on this factor.

Table 17: Preventing dumping wastes on the beach

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 Scale Frequency Percent
Preventi ng Dumping Wastes On The Beach
(%)
I Don't know 5 5

Agree 31 40 5%

Strongly 44 55
Agree Strongly Agree Agree

Total 80 100 40%

55%
I Don't Know

Source: Field study, 2023

Figure 17: Preventing dumping waste on the beach

32 respondents are agreed on preventing dumping waste factor. Only 5% fishermen don’t know the
preventing waste dumping on the beach as the mitigation strategy of climate change.

Preventing discharge of industrial wastes into the rivers

Mitigating climate change involves addressing various aspects of industrial activities, including the
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the sustainable management of resources. While
preventing the discharge of industrial waste into rivers is an important environmental concern, it is not
directly related to climate change mitigation. However, it is crucial for overall environmental
sustainability and the protection of ecosystems. The figure 19 will display the awareness condition of
the fishermen in the coastal area of Bangladesh on discharge of industrial waste into the river as one
of the most important mitigation factors of climate change.

Table 18: Preventing discharge of industrial wastes in rivers

Preventing discharge of industrial waste into the rivers
Percent
Scale Frequency
(%) I Don't Know

4 5
I Don't know
Scale

Agree 55 72.5 Agree

Strongly
21 22.5
Agree Strongly Agree

Total 80 100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Percentage (%)
Source: Field study, 2023

Figure 18: Preventing discharge of industrial waste into rivers

Almost three-fourth percent respondents are agreed on the preventing discharge of industrial
wastes into the rivers as the mitigation factor of climate change. These wase ultimately fall
in the sea and pollute the environment. 23% fishermen are strongly agreed and rest 5% of the
respondents don’t know about this mitigation factor.
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Implementing sustainable industrial practices is essential for both mitigating climate change
and reducing water pollution. Industries can adopt technologies that minimize or eliminate
the generation of hazardous waste and pollutants. This can include recycling and reusing
materials, implementing cleaner production processes, and treating wastewater before
discharge.

Recycling and reusing waste materials

Recycling and reusing waste materials produced from industries and households reduce the
demand for new raw materials. The extraction and processing of raw materials often result in
significant greenhouse gas emissions. This is an important mitigating factor of climate
change.

Table 19: Recycling & reuse

Percent
Scale Frequency
(%) Recycling & Reuse Of Industi al And Household Wastes

Disagree 6 7.5
I Don't know 45 55.0
8% 3%

Agree 27 35.0
Strongly Agree Agree
Strongly 2 2.5 35%

Agree
Total 80 100.0 I Don't Know Disagree

55%

Figure 19: Recycling and reuse

Most of the fishermen in the study area are not aware of recycling and reuse of industrial and
household produced waste as the mitigation way of climate change. Only 3% respondents are
strongly agreed on this statement. So, there is low level of awareness about the recycling and
reuse of waste. 35% fishermen have a minimum level awareness about recycling.

Use of renewable energy instead of non-renewable energy

Using renewable energy sources instead of non-renewable energy sources is a key strategy
for mitigating climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas,
for energy production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon
dioxide (CO2). Besides these, fuel combustion for fishing vessels is also a factor for water

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pollution. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal,
emit little to no CO2 during operation.

Table 20: Use of renewable energy instead of non-renewable energy

Use Of Renewable Energy Instead Of Non-renewable Energy
Percent
Scale Frequency
(%)
Disagree 15 17.5
5%
I Don't know 29 37.5 18%

Strongly Agree Agree

Agree 32 40.0 40%

Strongly I Don't Know Disagree

4 5.0
Agree 38%

Total 80 100.0
Source: Field study, 2023 Figure 20:
Use of renewable energy

40% fishermen are agreed on use of renewable energy instead of non-renewable energy such as coal,
oil, natural gas etc. as the mitigation strategy of climate change impacts. Among the respondents, only
5% are strongly agreed on this statement. On the other hand, 38% fishermen don’t know about this.
Thy have no idea about renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Besides these, 18%
respondents are disagreed on this statement. They are not totally aware of water pollution fishing
vessel fuels.

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 Chapter 5: Factors Influencing Fishermen’s Awareness on Climate Change

Fishermen whose livelihoods are directly dependent on natural resources, such as fisheries,
are more likely to be aware of climate change. They depend on the health and productivity of
marine ecosystems, which can be affected by climate-related factors. As their livelihoods are
at risk, they have a vested interest in understanding climate change and its potential impacts
on their fishing activities.

5.1 Education

Education plays a significant role in influencing awareness of climate change. It provides

access to information about climate change, its causes, impacts, and potential adaptation
strategies.

Table 21: Education and awareness level

Class 6-10
Level of Awareness Class 1-5 Above SSC Total
3.4 2 0 0 2
3.47 4 5 0 9
3.5 8 2 0 10
3.60 4 4 0 8
3.67 6 6 0 12
3.73 3 6 0 9
3.80 5 5 0 10
3.87 8 6 0 14
3.93 0 2 2 4
4.27 0 2 0 2
Total 40 38 2 80

Source: Field study, 2023

Fishermen Eduation Level Awareness Level Based on Educaiton

60 4.27
3.93
50 3.87
Awareness level

3.80
Percentage (%)

40
3.73
Above SSC Class 6-10
3.67
30
3.60
Class 1-5
3.53
20
3.47
3.40
10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

0 Frequency
Class 1-5 Class 6-10 Above SSC

Figure 21: Education level of fishermen

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Almost 50% respondents’ education is primary level. 47% fishermen are lower secondary
educated and only 3% is above SSS level. The study shows that a major portion of the
respondents are middle aged. Some of them have come to this sector newly. They worked in
other sectors before. But their awareness level is medium level.

The education level of the fishermen influences their awareness level to climate change. The
figure 20 shows the awareness level of the respondents on the basis of their education. The
lower secondary educated people are more aware of climate change impacts.

5.2 Age

More than 30% of respondents belong to 31-40 age range. There are also child labors among
the fishermen though this is only 2.5% whose age are below 18.

Table 22: Age group of respondents

Age Group Number (n=80) Percentage (%)

Below 18 2 2.5

19-30 24 30

31-40 22 27.5

41-50 26 32.5

Above 50 6 7.5

Total 80 100%

The above table shows the frequency and percentage of respondents’ age range. 7.5%
fishermen are above 50 years old. Most of the respondents are middle aged. For better
understanding the table information presented in the below bar diagram.

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 Age of respondents

Above 50

41-50

Age range
31-40

19-30

Below 18

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Age
Figure 22: Age
group of respondents

5.3 Fishing experience

Based on the fishing experience, the awareness of climate change among fishermen varies
depending on several factors such as observations, impacts on fish catching, traditional
ecological knowledge, interactions with others, access to information and training etc. The
study found that the fishermen are more experienced, the fishermen are more aware of
climate change.

Awareness Level based on experience

6

5
3.40
3.47
4 3
3.60
Frequency

3 3.67
3.73
3.80
2 3.87
3.93
1 4.27

0
1-5 Above 10 6-10
Experience in years

Figure 23: Awareness level based on experience

The above figure shows that the fishermen are more aware who have been working more than
10 years in fishing sector. They are more aware based on their observations of climate change
impacts on fishing in the sea.

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5.4 Access to information

Access to weather information plays a crucial role in increasing climate change awareness
among the fishermen. Regular access to weather forecasts, including wind patterns, storm
warnings, and precipitation forecasts, enables fishermen to make informed decisions about
their fishing activities. They can plan their trips, determine suitable fishing grounds, and take
necessary precautions based on the weather conditions. This reliance on weather information
can increase their sensitivity to changes in weather patterns associated with climate change.

Most of the respondents said that they get information about weather regularly through
various media such as TV, mobile, and radio etc.

Access To Weather Infomati on Media Of Weather Informati on

TV Mobile Radio

9%

26%

38%
Yes No

74%
53%

Figure 24: Access to information Figure 25: Media of information

More than half of the fishermen in the study area has mobile access. They get information by
mobile phone. 38% respondents get daily news through television. Besides these, the
fishermen get information through radio, miking, and others.

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 Conclusion and Recommendations

The finding of the study revealed that the respondents of the study area maintained
moderately to highly favorable awareness towards climate change which indicated that they
had good concern about climate change. The respondents had good alertness on different
climate change causes issues like dumping wastes on the beach, discharge of industrial
wastes into the rivers etc. They had also good awareness about climate change impacts like
sea level rising, increase of floods, cyclones and salinity. At the same time, they are more
aware of mitigation issues of climate change such as preventing dumping waste on the beach
and reducing discharge of industrial wastes into the rivers.

Among the selected characteristics of the respondents’ age, education, fishing experience,
access to information, agricultural training received, and knowledge on climate change had
significant contribution on the farmers’ awareness towards causes and effects of climate
change. To increase more and more awareness of the respondents towards climate change, it
is imperative to increase more age, arranging more agricultural training and more knowledge
on climate change.

Training activities on fisheries and climate change can improve the awareness of the
fishermen. Hence, more agriculture and climate change related training programs as well as
motivational program may be carried out for better output. The Department of Agricultural
Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), and agricultural
universities also can play a vital role on this issue. The findings of the study will be useful for
planning and execution of climate change and agriculture policy of Bangladesh.

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 References

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Appendix

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