Illegal nets removed from Bhodra canal to protect fisheries

KHULNA, July 30 (BSS): In a bid to protect fisheries resources and restore the canal's natural water flow, the Dumuria Upazila administration has launched a drive against the use of illegal nets in the Bhodra Canal.

The eviction drive began on Wednesday afternoon under the supervision of the Dumuria UNO, Fisheries Officer, and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dumuria Police Station to remove illegal fishing gear, including fixed net barriers and banned Chinese ring nets.

During the drive, large quantities of illegal bamboo-made fixed net barriers (net-pata) and Chinese ring nets were removed from different points of the canal and destroyed on the spot.

According to officials, a section of illegal fishers had long obstructed the canal's natural flow by installing fixed net barriers, while the use of fine-mesh Chinese nets was destroying the eggs and fry of indigenous fish species, posing a serious threat to the aquatic ecosystem.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Dumuria Amit Kumar Biswas told BSS that the Bhodra Canal is vital for maintaining the region's ecological balance. He also warned that the administration would not tolerate any illegal occupation or use of prohibited fishing gear in canals or open water bodies. He said regular mobile court drives would continue, and legal action would be taken against offenders.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Sohel Md Zillur Rahman Regan described Chinese ring nets and fixed barriers as "silent killers" of fisheries, saying their fine mesh traps fish eggs and fry, severely affecting natural breeding.

He said enforcement alone would not solve the problem permanently, stressing the need for greater public awareness and stricter measures to stop the sale and use of harmful fishing nets.