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Mindless plunder of fish resources in southern region

200 fries destroyed for netting one shrimp fry, two lakh people engaged in illegal netting

Akter Faruk, Barisal
Kamal Molla and his son pulled his net in the water near Alipur ferry terminal for about an hour. They collected 37 shrimp and lobster fries from about two kilograms of other fish fries netted.
They threw away those to perish.
There are about two lakh people like them engaged in this illegal shrimp fry netting and trading in the southern coastal region, according to CODECactive, an NGO working in the area. They use mosquito nets for this.
About 200 other fries are destroyed for one shrimp fry, according to a survey by the NGO.
Such netting is banned, but it continues in full swing throughout the southern coastal region and in small rivers and canals inside.
Molla had no reply when this correspondent told him that fish resources in the region will deplete if this plunder continues in the name of catching shrimp fries. He admitted that fries are netted in smaller numbers now than before.
Allured by the rising demand for shrimp and lobster fries, people in Barisal division are engaged in free style netting offish fries, destroying resources worth hundreds of crores of taka.
The plunder is more at the mouth of small rivers. The 18- kilometer long Kuakata seas beach and rivers like Ramnabad, Tiakhali, Chakmaia, Sonatala, Andharmanik, SagorMohana, llisha, Agunmukha, Tentulia, Bishkali, Baleswar and
their tributaries are the prime spots.
During daytime, anybody will see hundreds of such nets in water in the areas.
Wholesale markets for such illegally netted shrimp fries have sprang up at Kala, Mohipur, Alipur, and in other areas in the coastal belt. The wholesale rate is Tk 30-50 per 100 pieces.
Coast Guard and Navy personnel sometimes take steps to stop the illegal netting. But their operation is
limited to shore areas and in big rivers. When they are on patrol, the plunderers hide their nets.
Seeking anonymity, an official of Kalapara fisheries department said it is not easy to control this plunder as so many peoples are involved in this.
Mere law will not work. To stop it, the government should evolve a comprehensive programme including creating alternative sources of income for these people, he said.