Bangladesh is a riverine country where fish is a staple food for many. Approximately 12 million people are involved in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with 1.2 million directly relying on fisheries for their livelihoods. However, this substantial community faces significant health risks due to the use of harmful chemicals in fishing practices. A study conducted in Satkhira reported that 60-70% of aquaculture farmers experienced health issues linked to chemical exposure.
Insights from the Munda community
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with members of the Munda community in Munda Para revealed profound insights into their challenges. The Munda, an ethnic group living in the mangrove ecological zone of the Sundarbans, rely on the ecosystem for their livelihoods and sustenance. Approximately 3,000–4,000 Munda people reside in Shyamnagar, distributed across villages like Gabura, Burigoalini, and Munshiganj, near the Sundarbans.
In this region, salinity intrusion makes regular crop cultivation challenging. As a result, most Munda families depend on aquaculture and fishing, with participation across genders. Both men and women venture into the deep forests of the Sundarbans during high and low tides, often staying for 4-5 days, as the Forest Department grants fishing permissions for only seven days. During these trips, they live on boats and fish in the Sundarbans’ channels, selling their catches at wholesale markets for minimal prices.
Economic pressures and unethical practices
Despite receiving fishing permissions, fishermen face financial burdens. They must pay fees to local political parties, share profits with the “Mohajon” (fish market financiers), and cover costs for boat rentals and fishing equipment. These expenses often exceed their earnings. For instance, a group of 3-4 members earns around Tk1,500 after spending 4-5 days fishing. Deducting costs for food, travel, and equipment, their net income is less than Tk500 per week, which is insufficient for a family of 5-7 members in today’s inflationary economy.
To offset these economic pressures, many fishermen resort to unethical practices, including using harmful chemicals to increase their catch. This not only endangers their health and that of consumers but also disrupts the ecosystem.
In the Sundarbans, fishermen use various harmful chemicals to boost their catches. Commonly reported substances include formalin, malathion, potassium permanganate, dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos.
According to a fisherman from the Munda community, these chemicals are often applied during low tide in narrow river channels to gather fish in one place, making the process more efficient and profitable. However, the fishermen remain largely unaware of the long-term health and ecological impacts of these practices.
Health Impacts
Fishing practices involving hazardous chemicals have severe implications for human health:
- Acute Toxicity: Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting from immediate exposure.
- Chronic Health Effects: Long-term exposure can lead to neurological disorders, cancer, and reproductive issues.
- Endocrine Disruption: Some chemicals interfere with hormonal mechanisms, causing developmental and reproductive problems.
- Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of chemical fumes can cause respiratory issues and exacerbate asthma.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Exposure to chemicals weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to diseases.
- Bioaccumulation: Over time, chemicals accumulate in organisms, raising toxicity levels with frequent seafood intake.
One fisherman shared his harrowing experience of losing fingers on both hands and one toe. He attributed these amputations to sores caused by prolonged exposure to water contaminated with harmful chemicals, which eventually developed into infections. Containers of these chemicals were found in his home, further confirming their use.
Regulatory and health interventions
During an interview with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Shyamnagar, it was revealed that the chemicals used in fishing are not legally approved. The officer stated that operations have been conducted to confiscate these substances from fishermen and local suppliers. He also mentioned that free treatment for chemical exposure is available at the Upazila Health Complex.
Call for sustainable solutions
The health problems faced by fish farmers in Munda Para highlight the critical intersection of economic dependency and environmental sustainability. The rampant use of pesticides, antibiotics, and other chemicals to increase fish production poses severe threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Skin rashes, respiratory difficulties, and long-term toxic effects underscore the urgent need for intervention.
Addressing this issue requires promoting sustainable practices, health education programmes, regulatory supervision and economic support.
Such measures are vital for ensuring economic resilience, safeguarding community health, and preserving ecological integrity in this sensitive coastal region.