Fisheries-based ecotourism in north-eastern area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Fisheries and tourism both have great economic potential for Bangladesh. Around the globe, fishing for pleasure has already become popular. Despite being a novel concept, fisheries-based ecotourism presents considerable potential, especially as the tourism sector seeks creative attractions. Northeastern Bangladesh (Sylhet division) possesses a haor basin which includes wide a large low land portion with many rivers. This research aims to provide a comprehensive investigation of fisheries based ecotourism focusing on the cultural, environmental and socioeconomic factors in the study region. By combining primary and secondary data, the research assesses the advantages and obstacles of implementing FbE in Sylhet. Qualitative methods were employed to gather insights from local stakeholders, revealing that recreational fishing, fishing competitions, wetland exploration, fish fairs, and fishing festivals with traps and angling are already established traditions in the area. The research also highlights the possible locations and occasions for beginning FbE. The impact of these activities is also found positive in the local community’s socioeconomic state. The acceptance level of FbE as an earning tool is also found high. The potentials of this new concept lie between the proper frame working, planning, implementation, developing infrastructures, and promoting the sites and events as tourist attractions.