Banned China Duari net threatens biodiversity at Bagmara

 •  Native fish species facing extinction
 •  Campaigns hindered by budget shortage
 •  Only one drive reported this season
BAGMARA, RAJSHAHI, Aug 9: The unchecked use of banned China Duari nets in the canals, beels and other water bodies of Bagmara in Rajshahi is driving native fish species and other aquatic animals towards extinction. 
This has placed the region's biodiversity under serious threat. Local residents allege that the prevalence of these nets has grown alarmingly due to the absence of regular administrative campaigns.
During visits to various canals and bilges across the upazila, extensive use of these nets was observed on the spot. Fishermen were seen employing them in both shallow and deep water. Because of the extremely fine mesh, all types of small and large fish, alongside eggs, larvae and fry, become trapped. The impact extends beyond fish, affecting frogs, crabs, snails, aquatic insects and other creatures. Experts warn that continued use will severely disrupt the reproduction of native fish in local waters and destroy the balance of biodiversity.
Abdul Kader, a fisherman from Madhaimuri Village, said, 'Earlier, during the monsoon season, large numbers of tengra, puti, khalisha, koi, shing and magur were found in the canals and bilges. Now, those fish are scarce. They are being caught in China Duari nets before they have a chance to grow.'
Echoing this complaint, farmer Saiful Islam said, 'A few years ago, native fish were plentiful in village canals. Now, there are more nets in the water, but far fewer fish.' He added that administrative campaigns are insufficient.
Local fishermen report that some unscrupulous individuals are deploying banned nets in pursuit of quick profits. This is causing financial losses for those engaged in legal fishing. They claim that natural fisheries are being destroyed by illegal nets, and that traditional rural fishing methods are also being lost.
Environmental activists point out that China gillnets threaten not just fish but the entire aquatic ecosystem. Such fine-mesh nets indiscriminately kill fry, frogs, snakes, crabs and other aquatic life, thereby disrupting the food chain.
According to the Upazila Fisheries Office, Bagmara's sixteen unions contain 37 large beels and over 200 canals, in addition to numerous other water bodies. In the last fiscal year, 24,250 metric tons of domestic fish were harvested from these sources. The target for the current fiscal year has been set at 24,500 metric tons.
Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Aktaruzzaman confirmed that a campaign to halt gillnet use was conducted during the current monsoon season. According to the information he provided, on July 27 a drive was carried out in the upazila's Damnas Bazar under the 'Fisheries Protection and Conservation Act, 1950', during which 2,000 metres of banned China Duari nets were seized and destroyed. He stated that there are plans for regular drives against prohibited nets, but shortages of manpower and budget prevent operations in all areas simultaneously.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Selim Ahmed said, “Such nets pose a threat to domestic fish. Our drive will continue until the use of these banned nets is completely stopped”.