Determination of fisheries benefits from floodplain riverine systems in Bangladesh: a mathematical programming approach

Abstract. A non-linear programming model was developed to determine the benefits obtainable from the inland capture fisheries of Bangladesh. Functions and parameters of a base model were estimated by deriving non-linear catch-effort and cost functions as well as rice responsive demand functions using both primary and secondary data. Results of LP (linear programming) solution of the base model suggest that the inland fisheries of Bangladesh are capable, under optimal conditions, of generating a total net benefit of Bangladesh Taka (BDT) 1383 million per annum (US$1 = BDT38), most of which (96%) accrues as producer surplus. Under the optimal allocation of total fishing effort the model shows a 13% reduction in overall fish catch with 54% less effort. Sensitivity analysis, through variations of fishing effort, shows that the incorporated variables (e.g. catch, cost, benefit and shadow price) change in line with theoretical expectations. The implication of these results for management is that a reduction in effort would be required in order to generate a greater net economic benefit from the riverine fisheries. Such reduction should be specific to individual fishery and/or fishing grounds.