Thrust on sustainable fisheries management in Rajbari

 
RAJBARI, Aug 17: A discussion on “Fisheries Resource Conservation and Sustainable Production” was held in Rajbari on Monday as part of the National Fisheries Week celebrations.

The district fisheries office organised the discussion at its office with fish traders, fishermen, fish farmers and other stakeholders.

District Fisheries Officer Md Mahbub Ul Haque attended the event as the chief guest. Assistant Director of the district fisheries office Palash Halder, Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Halima Sardar and Sadar Upazila Fisheries Extension Officer Mostafa Kamal were also present.

The discussion focused on the conservation, breeding and sustainable production of hilsa and other native fish species. Participants particularly discussed jatka conservation, preventing the use of illegal fishing nets, protecting fish sanctuaries and rehabilitating fishermen.

Presenting the keynote paper, Palash Halder said hilsa production in the country had increased significantly due to strengthened jatka conservation efforts.

“Hilsa production, which was around 2.5 lakh tonnes a year at one point, has now increased to nearly five lakh tonnes,” he said, adding that production could rise further if jatka fishing was stopped.

He said 3,802 fishermen in Rajbari had received 160kg of rice each as livelihood support during the jatka fishing ban. At the same time, drives against illegal fishing nets, including the banned “China Duari” nets, are continuing during the jatka conservation season.

Palash said the Department of Fisheries was also implementing various programmes to conserve native fish species and increase their production.

“Protecting water bodies and stopping illegal fishing are essential to conserve the breeding and habitats of native fish,” he said.