Illegal 'ring nets' threaten native fish

DHANBARI, TANGAIL, July 10: The widespread use of illegal ring nets, locally known as China duari nets, in rivers and wetlands across Dhanbari Upazila is threatening native fish species and other aquatic life, locals and fisheries officials say.

Residents alleged that despite the continued use of the banned nets in the Bangshi, Jhinai and Bairan rivers, as well as Hamil Beel and Bil Dublai, weak enforcement has allowed the practice to continue unchecked.

A recent visit to Jadunathpur found fishermen using ring nets in sections of the Bangshi and Bairan rivers and in Hamil Beel and Bil Dublai. Locals fear the use of the nets will increase further during the monsoon.

According to fisheries experts, ring nets trap not only mature fish but also fish eggs, fry and other aquatic organisms, disrupting natural breeding and reducing fish populations over time.

Local fishermen said the indiscriminate use of the banned nets by a section of fishers was affecting those who relied on traditional fishing methods.

"Many of us are catching fewer fish than before. Some fishermen have even been forced to leave the profession," a local fisherman said.

More than a hundred fishing families in the upazila depend directly on fish from the Bangshi, Bairan and Jhinai rivers for their livelihoods, locals said.

Residents also alleged that ring nets are being sold openly in local markets across the upazila despite the ban.
Dhanbari's acting Upazila Fisheries Officer Saurav Kumar Dey said regular drives were being conducted against the use of prohibited fishing nets.

He said awareness campaigns and enforcement drives had recently been carried out in Hamil Beel and Bil Dublai.
Asked why no action had been taken in other rivers, he said the recent operations were limited to the two wetlands and added that further drives would be conducted if specific information on illegal fishing activities was received.