Photo: TDM
In Tangail, during the dry season, the rampant use of china nets(nets of small mesh) by unscrupulous fishmongers in the rivers is posing a severe threat to both native fish populations and aquatic biodiversity. The District Fisheries Officer, Abul Kalam Azad, acknowledged that tackling this issue is challenging due to a shortage of manpower and the lack of public awareness.
China nets, known locally as "china duari," vary in price depending on the village. These nets are finely woven, resembling regular fishing nets but with smaller mesh openings that prevent fish from escaping once caught. The nets typically span 50 to 100 feet. Unfortunately, these destructive nets have been observed in several rivers across Tangail, including the Jamuna River in Tangail Sadar, Bhayanpur, Nagarpur, Gopalpur, and Kalihati upazilas. Native fish species of all kinds are falling victim to this practice, threatening their survival.
Rabindra Chandra Halder, a resident of Khanurbari Halder neighborhood in Bhayanpur Upazila, has been engaged in fishing, following the footsteps of his father and grandfather. However, he has noticed a significant decline in his catch. Despite casting his net twice a night in the nearby Jamuna River, along with his team of four, the yield has been considerably low. Halder expressed concern over the scarcity of fish, attributing it to the widespread use of banned china nets that ensnare all fish indiscriminately.
Reports indicate that approximately 10,000 Chinese nets, also known as Chinese double nets, are being widely used in the district's rivers across five upazilas. Over 3,000 of these nets have been deployed at various points along the Jamuna River in Govindasi, Gabsara, Ajurna, and some parts of Nikrail in Bhyapur upazila. During the dry season, when water levels recede, the use of Chinese nets has become more prevalent, even in the middle of the river, to capture fish congregating near the grassy sections.
Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, Treasurer of Maulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology (Mavabiprabi) and an expert in fisheries, emphasized the critical breeding period for fish from February to April. During this time, mother fish release eggs that eventually develop into young fish. Unscrupulous individuals exploit these circumstances, using illegal nets to capture an abundance of fish with minimal effort.
In response to the escalating use of illegal Chinese nets as water levels increase, the District Fisheries Officer, Abul Kalam Azad, stated that campaigns and occasional raids are being conducted to combat this issue. Local public representatives have been notified and urged to ensure the prevention of illegal net usage in the rivers.
