Unregulated fishing devastates Jamalganj haors endangering biodiversity

FE Team | Published: February 10, 2025 22:43:17

SUNAMGANJ, Feb 10 (UNB): Unchecked fishing, including the reckless use of high-powered pumps to drain wetlands, is driving indigenous fish species in Jamalganj upazila towards extinction, sparking serious concerns over biodiversity loss.
Once brimming with native fish such as Ruhi, Katla, Chital, Boal, Shol, Gazar, Kali Baush, Tengra and Pabda, the haor region is now witnessing a sharp decline in fish stocks due to illegal fishing practices and environmental degradation.
Local residents and environmentalists point to excessive pesticide use, destructive fishing techniques like China duari and current nets, and large-scale wetland drainage as key contributors to the crisis.Besides fish, other aquatic species, including snails and turtles, are also disappearing at an alarming rate.
Fisheries experts warn that several fish species have already vanished, with many more facing imminent threat.
Although the government replaced individual leasing with fishermen's cooperatives, reports suggest that many cooperatives are controlled by influential third parties who exploit the resources for profit.
Leaseholders allegedly auction off fishing rights to the highest bidder, perpetuating destructive fishing practices unchecked.
"The administration occasionally conducts drives, but they are ineffective," said a local fisherman, requesting anonymity.
Residents also accuse leaseholders of using powerful pumps to drain water bodies for easier fish harvesting. Besides, chemicals are reportedly being used to extract fish buried deep in mud, further decimating aquatic life.
A field visit by a the news agency correspondent revealed that several key waterbodies-including Digha, Baim Dair, and parts of the Gangadharpur River-had been drained for fishing.
Machines were seen pumping water in Ayla-Chhagaia's Chinai Dhora, Dhalapakna, Dhalia and Nayakhal Nainda wetlands.
Shahab Uddin, General Secretary of the Harinagar-Noagaon-Nalowarpara-Jagannathpur Fishermen's Cooperative Society Limited, defended the practice, saying, "We secured a six-year lease under a development scheme. Due to sediment buildup and gas pockets, fish populations
have declined. We obtained approval from the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), and fisheries officials to excavate the wetland."