Banned China nets put Sherpur’s aquatic life at risk  

SHERPUR, BOGURA, Sept 15: The use of banned “China Duari” nets to catch fish is rampant in rivers, canals, wetlands and other water bodies in Sherpur Upazila of Bogura, threatening local fish stocks and aquatic biodiversity.

The nets have extremely small mesh openings, trapping not only fish but also fry, brood fish, snakes, frogs, crabs, snails and various aquatic insects. Many of the trapped animals are left on dry land or along the banks, where they eventually die.

The use of the nets increases during the monsoon, when water levels rise in different water bodies across the upazila.

“Brood fish and small fish are caught in these nets along with snakes, frogs and snails. This is damaging our fish resources and the environment,” said Md Majnu Mia, a resident of Phultala village.

Raju Islam of Darimukunda Village said some people release the trapped animals, while others bury them or leave them on dry ground.

“The use of these nets has increased because there are no regular government drives in the area,” he said.

The fine-mesh nets also disrupt the natural breeding and reproduction of fish and other aquatic species, raising concerns that the populations of many native species could decline further.

Md Iqbal Hossain, Senior Fisheries Officer with additional charge in Sherpur, said using China nets was completely banned.

“Mobile courts need to seize these nets and stop their use. At the same time, people must be made aware of their harmful impacts,” he said.

Sharmin Akter, Senior Assistant Director at the Bogura District Fisheries Office, said fisheries officials were conducting drives against the nets.