Pisciculture and the Environment: An Economic Evaluation of Sewage-Fed Fisheries in East Calcutta
Science, Technology and Development, Volume 14, No. 2, Frank Cass, London, pp. 73-99
14 Pages Posted: 26 May 2013
Date Written: August 1, 1996
Abstract
The wetlands in the eastern part of Calcutta should be an environmentalist's dream. In the absence of any other provisions for the treatment of sewage, the sewage-fed fisheries in these wetlands provide the only mechanism for treating and recycling the ever-increasing quantity of sewage from Calcutta. This is also the largest example of sewage fed aquaculture in the world. However, the wetland is becoming gradually depleted in the face of the ever-increasing demand for real estate. This article argues that, if treated as a private good, the wetland fisheries may seem to have no economic justification for their existence. However, if one takes into account such external benefits as the combating of pollution, the recycling of sewage water and the generation of income and employment for the poor, these fisheries become an invaluable and irreplaceable resource.
Keywords: wetlands, sewage-fed fisheries, aquaculture, economic costs and benefits
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation