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<p>Lobsters are among the most economically and nutritionally valuable marine resources, yet their supply in Bangladesh remains limited due to the absence of aquaculture and dependence on wild capture. This study assessed the status of lobster fisheries in Cox’s Bazar, focusing on species diversity, catching practices, and market structure. Primary data collected at four coastal sites from January to December 2022 using a mixed approach with monthly sampling (12 visits/site). Qualitative data were gathered from 25 key informants through open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Species identification was first based on fishers’ indigenous knowledge and then verified using external morphological characteristics and standard taxonomic keys. Three spiny lobster species were confirmed: <i>Panulirus polyphagus</i>, <i>P. ornatus</i>, and <i>P. versicolor</i>, with <i>P. polyphagus</i> dominating landings (≈ 70–90% of catches across sites). Lobsters were captured mainly as bycatch in nylon and rock nets, while specialized “lobstermen” using larger-mesh nylon nets obtained 12.8 ± 4.2 lobsters/trip (<i>n</i> = 32) in summer and 19.5 ± 5.6 lobsters/trip (<i>n</i> = 35) in winter. Market analysis showed a strong positive relationship between individual weight and price (R² = 0.9814; ~1.36 BDT g⁻¹), with final retail prices rising to 1.5–3 times the original fisher price along the value chain. A PESTEL and value-chain assessment highlighted low catch volumes, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, and weak regulatory enforcement as key constraints. The findings underline the need for targeted policy support, improved post-harvest handling, and pilot lobster aquaculture to enhance sustainability and expand the lobster value chain in Bangladesh.</p>

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Assessment of Lobster Fisheries in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: Fishing Technique, Species Composition and Value Chain Dynamics

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月16日

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  • Md Ariful Islam Milon,
  • Naimur Rahman Naim,
  • Mahima Ranjan Acharjee,
  • Avijit Talukder

摘要

Lobsters are among the most economically and nutritionally valuable marine resources, yet their supply in Bangladesh remains limited due to the absence of aquaculture and dependence on wild capture. This study assessed the status of lobster fisheries in Cox’s Bazar, focusing on species diversity, catching practices, and market structure. Primary data collected at four coastal sites from January to December 2022 using a mixed approach with monthly sampling (12 visits/site). Qualitative data were gathered from 25 key informants through open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Species identification was first based on fishers’ indigenous knowledge and then verified using external morphological characteristics and standard taxonomic keys. Three spiny lobster species were confirmed: Panulirus polyphagus, P. ornatus, and P. versicolor, with P. polyphagus dominating landings (≈ 70–90% of catches across sites). Lobsters were captured mainly as bycatch in nylon and rock nets, while specialized “lobstermen” using larger-mesh nylon nets obtained 12.8 ± 4.2 lobsters/trip (n = 32) in summer and 19.5 ± 5.6 lobsters/trip (n = 35) in winter. Market analysis showed a strong positive relationship between individual weight and price (R² = 0.9814; ~1.36 BDT g⁻¹), with final retail prices rising to 1.5–3 times the original fisher price along the value chain. A PESTEL and value-chain assessment highlighted low catch volumes, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, and weak regulatory enforcement as key constraints. The findings underline the need for targeted policy support, improved post-harvest handling, and pilot lobster aquaculture to enhance sustainability and expand the lobster value chain in Bangladesh.