Impact of aquaculture practices in Naogaon district of Bangladesh.

In order to determine the socioeconomic and environmental impact of aquaculture practices in Noagaon district, a questionnaire survey was used in the entire upazila. Data were collected from 100 farm owners and 100 local people for a period of seven months from January to July 2004. A tabular method of analysis was followed in analyzing the collected information. The present study indicated that most of the farms were established within last ten years and half of the farm were established an agricultural land. Fifteen different fish species were found to practice. Various chemicals and fertilizers were commonly used. Conflict from the uses of water was observed in the study area. Many farms released wastewater and threw the farm waste into the surrounding areas. The farm effluents caused various changes in receiving area. The study observed that farmed fishes were usually escaped into the natural environment, thus causing change in the fish species composition around the farms. Various disease outbreaks were noticed due to intensification of aquaculture causing economic loss in some cases. Total annual fish production was found to be 200 and 625 metric ton in the year of 1997-98 and 2002-2003. The average per unit production (kg/ha) was found to be increased. The study showed that 85 percent farm owner was increased income after establishing farm. Although there were some adverse socio-economic and environment impact, fish farming played an immense role in the increase of socioeconomic condition, opportunity for employment and poverty alleviation of large number of population.