Climate Perceptions and Adaptation Practices of Traditional Marine Fishermen in Coastal Bengal, India: Toward Participatory Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Traditional marine fishing communities in the global south heavily rely on fisheries for survival, facing threats from climate change and associated coastal challenges. Effective adaptation hinges on understanding fishermen’s perceptions of these changes. The present study investigates fishermen’s perceptions of fish catches and adaptation practices to climate change, proposing a participatory adaptation strategy to guide policy in Bengal's coastal region. For strategy development, two field surveys collected climate perception data from households, focus group discussions and community engagement meetings on fishing activities and adaptation measures. Further, the CRU, PSMSL, and IMD data assessed scientific climate evidence. The study employed a mixed-method approach encompassing general descriptive statistical techniques and Garrett ranking techniques to determine climate perceptions. Furthermore, climatic trend analysis was conducted using the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope estimator, while a modified catch variation empirical model was utilized to evaluate variations in fish catches and their socio-environmental perceptions among fishermen. Additionally, a participatory approach was employed to develop an adaptation strategy for the study area. The analysis of climate perception and evidence data revealed that climate variability and change are the primary drivers behind disruptions in traditional fish catches and adaptive practices. Notably, nearly 45.63% of respondents had not embraced any adaptation measures, primarily due to limited knowledge and education. Furthermore, this study integrates community engagement perspectives to identify opportunities and potential for a participatory adaptation strategy. This approach, which emphasizes spatial considerations and active community involvement, assists policymakers in safeguarding the living conditions and livelihoods of fishing communities.