Availability of fish species in fish markets and fish marketing in Noakhali district, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to know the fish markets and marketing practices in Noakhali district for a period of 5 months; November 2014 to March, 2015. Five types of marketing channels were found in this study and most were similar in nature as marketing places were in same town and not far apart. The average cost by a retailer to trade fish was estimated at Tk. 171.6 /day. This cost included rent of trading spot, ice and local transportation. The average income of retailers in three markets was estimated at Tk. 640/day/retailer. It was found that 21% of fish supplied in the markets were carps (Indian and Exotic), 17.3% marine fish, 15.7% hilsa, 12.7% catfish, 11.3% small fish, 11% Tilapia and pungus, 7% others mix species and 4% prawn. It was reported that availability fish species in three different markets round the year ranged from 55 to 72. However, during the study period, a total of 39 fish species under 24 families were found in three markets. It was found that marine fish comprises average 33% and freshwater fish comprises average 67% in the three markets. The price of fish depends on market structure, species quality, size, weight and season. The price of galda and bagda were varied from 580±10 to 560±8 Tk. /kg, and 370±10 to 350±5 Tk. /kg respectively. The price of catla, tilapia, ilish, Thai pangus and silver carp were varied from 390±10 to 360±8 Tk. /kg, 165±5 to 150±8 Tk. /kg, 900±10 to 860±5 Tk. /kg, 140±10 to 125±5 Tk. /kg, and 160±8 to 155±5 Tk./kg, respectively. In Noakhali, around 50-180 retailers were involved in each market. It was found that the daily supply of fish in Municipal market, Datter hat and Sonapur was about 12-13, 7-8 and 2.5-3ton, respectively. Inadequate infrastructure, transportation, shortage of ice in peak season, hygienic condition and packaging facilities were cited as main constraints. It was found that 80% of the fish retailers have improved their livelihood status through fish trading to a certain degree