Photo : Messenger
The inland rivers Phuljor, Karatoa, Baral, and Hura Sagar, along with the Yamuna in Sirajganj, are continuing to rise due to the hill slopes' runoff from upstream. As a result, large numbers of small and large Boal fish have entered the rivers and canals connected to the Yamuna River and Chalanbil. Fishermen, in a festive spirit, are catching these Boal fish using nets and ropes.
On Sunday (June 23) morning, it was observed that fish are being caught in large numbers in various areas of the Chalanbil region, including Sadar, Kazipur, Belkuchi, Enayetpur, Shahjadpur, and Chauhali upazilas along the banks of the Jamuna River.
Meanwhile, although the fishermen are pleased with their catch, the Sirajganj District Fisheries Department has expressed concerns that catching these fish, which may be carrying eggs, could negatively impact fish population growth.
Fishermen have reported that for the past few days, small and large Boal fish are being caught in droves in the Kanthalia Hijulia area of the Jamuna River in Chauhali upazila. They are catching boal fish of various weights within a few hours, with most of the fish weighing between 5 to 7 kg.
As word of the Boal catches spread, crowds have gathered to catch a glimpse and bargain for the fish. While professional anglers are selling their catch, casual anglers are choosing not to sell.
Chauhali Upazila Swecchhasebak League leader Mazedul Islam said, "Last night we went to the Khashpukuria area of the Jamuna River for fishing. After a few hours using nets and spears, we caught 10 Boal fish weighing between 3 to 6 kg. We shared the catch among ourselves."
Meanwhile, Zahurul Islam, a school teacher from Hamkuria village in Magura Binod Union of Tarash Upazila, mentioned that the rivers and canals are filling up with water due to the new floodwaters entering Chalanbil. "Mother Boal fish are jumping in the shallow waters to release their eggs. Taking advantage of this, many groups of professional and amateur fishermen are catching Boal fish of various weights from these areas every day," he added.
On Saturday (June 22) morning, a fisherman named Ashikur Rahman from Shyampur village caught a Boal fish weighing 9 kg, which sold for 800 taka per kg.
Zulmat Hossain, a local fisherman from Hamkuria Paschimpara, reported that three Boal fish weighing a total of 10 kg were caught from a canal in the Bridge No. 8 area of Tarash upazila that same morning. He sold two of the Boal fish at 800 taka per kg and took the remaining one home.
Shahidul Islam, who went fishing in the Phuljor River, said that he and four others went fishing as a hobby. "We used nets and phuchka (fishing equipment) and caught eight Boal fish within a few hours. The fish in the fresh floodwater are plentiful. We will take the fish home, cook, and enjoy them with our families," he shared.
Chauhali Upazila Fisheries Officer Tanveer Hasan Majumdar stated that due to effective measures implemented by the Directorate of Fisheries to conserve fish populations in various rivers, there is currently an adequate supply of fish. However, he cautioned hunters against catching mother fish that are carrying eggs.
Tarash Upazila Fisheries Officer Mashgul Azad also emphasised the importance of protecting mother fish to ensure sustainable fish growth. He noted that fishing for egg-laying fish is prohibited by the government to enhance fish production. Azad mentioned that an operation against fish poachers in the Chalanbil area will commence soon to prevent the killing of mother fish.
Sirajganj District Fisheries Officer Shahinur Rahman highlighted the comprehensive measures undertaken to preserve fish populations in various rivers, including the Jamuna. These efforts have led to increased catches of various large fish species, including Boal, in the Jamuna river. Rahman advised both amateur and professional anglers to refrain from fishing for egg-laying fish to support conservation efforts.
Messenger/Fameema
