Currently there are estimated 100,000 persons involved in carp seed trading in Bangladesh,
and this sub-section of the population is considered one of the poorest, most vulnerable and
least studied in the country. The aim of the study was to explore the asset holdings, income profiles and risk
of the carp seed traders resulting from fish seed mortality owing to handling and transportation, and to
identify the point of intervention for improvement. Livelihood assessment was conducted by baseline
households (HH) survey and group discussion. The research findings reveal that the HH asset holdings
were not sufficient to maintain a viable living standard. Income from carp seed trading was found to be the
main source of livelihood for the traders. The risks from fish seed mortality during handling and
transportation were identified as the major source of vulnerability. This study suggests that improving fish
seed transport techniques and thus reducing risks may contribute to improve livelihood and poverty
reduction of the carp seed traders.