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Addressing climate induced loss and damages: perception and thoughts of the coastal fishers in Bangladesh

This research study applied participatory action research tools to explore the nature and dimensions of climate change induced loss and damage based on the experience, perception and thoughts of coastal fishers in Bangladesh. The report recommends a combination of individual and institutional supports for fishers, including poverty reduction and insurance schemes. The study revealed that the majority of the fishermen had experienced unfinished trips at least 3 to 4 times due to warning signals throughout the year of 2016 and on an average, such trips cost them an economic loss of more than BDT 3000. Most of the fishermen had to travel 10 to 15 additional hours on the deep sea due to shifts in fishing reservoirs. All the respondents expressed their concern regarding sea surface temperature rise, increased salinity and sea level rise. They also have been experiencing more intensified rough sea events including depressions and cyclones. Limited access to technology, including fishing boats, gear, weather forecasting instruments, and safety equipment, and poor socio-economic conditions have aggravated the threat of climate change to their livelihoods.