Plastic fishing gear jeopardising biodiversity in Sunamganj haors

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SYLHET, May 20: The unabated use of plastic fishing gear- including nets, ropes and traps- to catch fish is widely threatening the ecology and biodiversity in the haors of Sunamganj district, pointing finger at the clear indifference among the authorities regarding doing the needful in this matter.

The natural environment of the haor areas of Sunamganj largely depends on the amount of rainfall in Cherrapunji in the bordering Indian state of Meghalaya. Due to the high level of early rains this season, the local rivers have already filled with water from the mountain streams and new water has started entering the haors.

Every year, with this new water entering the haors through the rivers, different species of fish come.

Local fishermen across the haors go down with plastic fishing gear, including nets, ropes and traps, to catch that fish. Criticisms arise widely as soon as the use of the fish catching devices that are very much injurious to the environment of the haors comes to the public notice.

The administration is also not speared of the blame for not taking any steps to stop the preparation, storage and sale of these fishing tools.

In the same way, fishing is going on freely by using plastic nets (special fishing equipment) everywhere in the Tanguar haor.

However, no one has any clue where this plastic fishing net is coming from or who is selling it.

This year, heavy rainfall in Cherrapunji has led to an increase in the water level of the Jadukata and Patlai rivers, causing water to enter the haors in advance.

Taking advantage of this, local fishermen have resorted to fishing freely with plastic nets. These nets can catch various types of small fish or fry, including shrimp, and are increasingly being used.

In addition, many fishermen are taking advantage of this opportunity because the administration is not taking any action to stop the use of this harmful device.

Environment activists said that if the use of plastic nets cannot be stopped, the environment and biodiversity of Tanguar Haor and other haors will be further threatened.

It is important to raise awareness among haor residents to prevent their use and ensure proper implementation of the law.

It was found that environmentally destructive plastic pots were being transported by fishermen from the district town to the Tahirpur Upazila headquarters by mini pickups or auto-rickshaws and to the Tanguar Haor by boat.

Fishermen in Tanguar, Shani, Mahalia, Matian, Banuar, Samsar and Eralia Kona haors of Tahirpur, in the villages of Pathabuka, Sulemanpur, Lamagaon, Manikkhila, Ramsinghpur, Joypur Golabari, Mandiata, Indrapur, Binodpur, Paniakhali, Terghar, Kalagaon, Nawabpur, Jamalpur, Shibrampur, Betagara, Rupnagar, Bakatla, Ichamari, Rajendpur, Rangchi, Amanipur, Nishinta Banshikunda, Sanua, Kauhani, Khidirpur, and Hatpatan of the upazila were seen using these pots to catch fish.

These plastic pots are tied in rows with thread and placed underwater with flour bait or snails. In the morning, these pots are lifted and shrimp and small fish are taken out. When the pots are damaged, they are thrown back into the haor water.

Social activist Khasrul Alam, a resident of Golabari village in Tanguar Haor bank, said that since the pots are plastic, they are non-biodegradable. Throwing these pots into the water harms the aquatic animals and fish of the haor.

In addition, small fish get stuck in them. This threatens the reproduction of fish. Lutfur Mia of Lamagaon village said that round pots are made of bamboo sticks and wire wrapped in plastic.

Some 10-12 years ago, shrimp were caught only with bamboo pots. But the demand for plastic pots has increased due to their low cost and repeated use.

Tourist Ataur Rahman from Moulvibazar said that this haor could be destroyed due to plastic pots. Therefore, the administration should take action in this regard while there is still time.

Tahirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mehedi Hasan Manik said, "We have carried out four drives in Tanguar Haor recently and have removed and burned more than a thousand plastic teapots (Kiranmala teapots) from the haor. We do not have all the information about where they are sold or made in Tahirpur upazila sadar. They probably bring them from the neighboring Bishwambharpur upazila. The drive to stop fishing with plastic teapots will continue."

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