Fry netting depleting shrimp production in Barguna

BARGUNA, Jul 10 (UNB): Indiscriminate catching of fires is causing a sharp depletion of shrimp and other fish resources in the rivers of the coastal Barguna district. Some unscrupulous fishermen are continuing the mindless netting of fries of several species of fish, including shrimp. There lies the Bay of Bengal to the south of the district, on the west of which is flowing the river Bishkhali and on the east the river Payra. During tide, huge fires of lobster, prawn and different other fish species are carried by the sea water into the two rivers. Local fishermen are catching these fries from the rivers by using mosquito nets out of their absolute unawareness of the harm to bigger interest. The quantity of fries the fishermen net from there will be worth several lakhs of taka. The Fisheries Department is apprehending that if the practice continues unhindered this way, different species of fish will disappear from the rivers and water bodies of the coastal region. While visiting the area, a large number of women and children were found catching fries of lobster and prawn on the banks of the Bishkhali, Baleswar and Payra rivers. Their insensible act has put existence of 38 species of fish under threat. Fish farm owners are buying these fries at cheaper price without any restrictions. Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute conducted a study on the rivers and canals in the offshore areas from 1991-97 under the name of Survey and Assistance of Shrimp Fry Resources of Bangladesh. According to the study, fry collectors are causing harm to 38 species of prawn and six other fishes and 100 species of aquatic animals while catching lobster and prawn fries. It was found that in one single drive innumerable fries of tengra, poa and taposhi were caught with seven or eight fries of prawn. There are 147 hatcheries of prawn in the country. These hatcheries produce one thousand crore fries each year. The annual demand of fries in the country is three thousand crore. Experts said the deficit could be met by increasing the number of authorised hatcheries and it will protect different species of fish. Barguna assistant fishery official Ruhul Amin said netting fries from the rivers is officially restricted.