Native fish species turn extinct in Gopalganj

GOPALGANJ, Sept 10: Once, the canals, wetlands and open water bodies of the district, including the Madhumati River, were among the major sanctuaries for native fish species. 

The hilsa of the Madhumati was particularly renowned across both Bengals. Known for its distinctive taste and aroma, the fish was deeply connected to the emotions, traditions and cultural heritage of the local people. But the hilsa of the Madhumati, along with many other native fish species, is now at risk of disappearing due to the filling of rivers and canals, disruption of natural water flow, and the occupation of open water bodies for fish farming.

Local residents say the Madhumati was once a fast-flowing river. It also provided easy riverine communication between different parts of Gopalganj. Alongside the river, the surrounding canals, wetlands, haors, baors and floodplains were abundant with fish throughout the year. Villagers used various traditional fishing nets to catch fish. From Bhadra to Magh, fish were also preserved as dried fish.

Today, that picture has changed considerably. The Madhumati River and many of the surrounding canals and water bodies have been filled in. There are also allegations that influential individuals have blocked the natural flow of some water bodies and are using them to farm exotic and hybrid fish species. As a result, the breeding and feeding grounds of native fish are steadily shrinking.

Several small native fish species, including khoyra, lalchanda, pabda, sarputi, titputi, dankuno and maya, are now on the verge of extinction locally. At the same time, species such as chala puti, tengra, pholoi, bhedda, shing, magur, koi, bele, mahashol, gojar, boal, lal khalisha and baim are also facing serious threats to their survival. As the supply of naturally caught fish in local markets continues to decline, these species are increasingly becoming unaffordable and inaccessible to ordinary people.

Local residents say that unless effective measures are taken immediately, native fish could disappear completely from the rivers, canals and open water bodies here in the coming years. To protect the Madhumati's hilsa and the region's familiar native fish species, steps must be taken now to restore rivers and canals and conserve their breeding grounds.

District Fisheries Officer Md Kamrul Islam said that small native fish are not only an important part of biodiversity but also a vital source of nutrition. These fish provide various nutrients, including vitamin A, calcium and iron. He said the authorities are taking measures to establish fish sanctuaries and seize and destroy illegal fishing nets in an effort to protect native fish.