Evaluating social-ecological trade-offs is crucial not only for effective governance, but also for strategizing poverty alleviation and the sustainable management of social-ecological systems. My research will provide an effective systemic approach and framework for assessing trade-offs in Hilsa conservation, with potential implications for other species. Considering the ongoing interest from Bangladeshi government and international donors in effective Hilsa management, the contribution of this research will be twofold: it will co-create options for achieving a balance between social and ecological goals in Bangladesh’s Hilsa fishery; and will enrich existing knowledge bases, drawing from prior efforts by organizations such as USAID, WorldFish, Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Despite considerable academic interest, there are significant knowledge gaps in the literature regarding Hilsa conservation – there can be very few empirical studies found on the topic, and little to no research has been conducted on the Hilsa Social-Ecological System; no indicators or well-developed methodologies exist. The original framework, indicators, and outputs from my research will fill this gap and attract the academic community. Furthermore, policy makers will benefit from the evidence, guidelines and learning through participatory processes in the project; thereby enhancing food security and promoting economic prosperity among Hilsa fishermen, Hilsa-dependent households, and different types of stakeholders in the region.