Crisis of Native Fish in Haor Areas: Multiple Species at Risk

Netrokona, a district rich in fisheries, is renowned for its aquatic wealth, particularly in the Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri upazilas. Once, the rivers, canals, and haors of the district’s 10 upazilas teemed with an abundance of native fish species. However, over the years, the availability of these fish has sharply declined, putting many species at risk and leading to a scarcity of native fish.

According to the District Fisheries Office, Netrokona has a total of 68 haors, alongside 188 rivers, canals, and other water bodies. Altogether, these water bodies span 116,315 hectares, of which haors account for 56,676 hectares. Open water bodies in the district contribute 45% of the annual fish production, while 55% comes from pond-based aquaculture. Despite an annual demand of 56,000 metric tons of fish, the district produces nearly 107,000 metric tons. A total of 48,384 registered fishermen depend on fish harvesting for their livelihoods, alongside approximately 12,000 seasonal, unregistered fishermen who fish in open waters.

Reports suggest that during the monsoon season, fish breed and reproduce in rivers, haors, and canals. However, illegal fishing practices using banned nets like current nets, drag nets, veshal nets, and magic nets are rampant during this period, particularly targeting juvenile fish. Additionally, the excessive use of pesticides during the dry season for Boro paddy cultivation, and the indiscriminate use of chemicals by unscrupulous fishermen during the rainy season, have significantly impacted fish populations.

By the end of the Bengali month of Bhadra, water levels in the haors and rivers begin to recede, and fishermen usually catch large quantities of native fish during Ashwin. However, this year, fishermen have reported a lack of fish in the rivers, canals, and haors. Furthermore, the dominance of influential individuals over open water bodies has restricted access for local fishermen and the general population, exacerbating the crisis.

District Fisheries Officer Md. Shahjahan Kabir stated that some endangered species, including Tengra, Shing, and Koi fish, have been revived through artificial breeding by fisheries researchers. Efforts are also underway to bring back other species like Rani fish. While pond-based fish production meets local demand and supports supply to other regions, the lack of native fish in open water bodies remains a concern.