Status of Indian major carps spawn in the Halda River along with marketing and economic condition of the Fishers and related collectors

The spawn of Indian major carps makes the Halda River an irreplaceable heritage of Bangladesh. The study was conducted to observe present status of Indian major carp breeding and collection management procedures of carp spawn and fry from the Halda River along with marketing process and economic conditions of the fishers and spawn collector. Data were collected through direct interview. In marketing system of carp eggs, spawn and fry in the Halda River, a number of intermediaries were involved actively in the marketing system. Four different types of marketing systems were identified in Halda spawn and fry distribution fry seller to final consumer. Fertilized eggs and spawn were collected and hatched by the local fisher's and collectors using their indigenous method. Those egg collectors sold to the hatchery owners per kg spawn at the rate of 50,000-80,000 BdTk. Again hatchery owners sold each and every fry at the rate of 5.0-6.0 BDTk. to the local fish farmers. Yearly survey information on Halda River's egg, spawn and fry collection showed an ups and downs production rate during last 07 years. The production status in the year 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was 230, 1569, 526, 508, 107, 320 and 338kg respectively and these types of ups and downs indicated poor number of broods, poor breeding ground and poor ecosystem of the Halda River. Different types of transports were used to carry fertilized eggs and spawn of Halda River. Investigation was also done to find out the economic condition, average income during breeding season and off season, educational background and family status of the local people of Halda region involving in fry collecting and marketing system. The study recommends that ecosystem health and breeding ground of Halda River should be protected for ensuring availability of pure line fertilized eggs and spawn of Indian major carp.