S DILIP ROY, Lalmonirhat

Once, the rivers, canals, and wetlands across the five districts of the Rangpur region -- Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari -- were a treasure trove of indigenous fish varieties.

At least 108 native fish species were once abundant in the region’s waterbodies. Most of those species have disappeared over the past two decades, with only around 30–35 still surviving amid dwindling fish populations, according to the Department of Fisheries.

“The availability of indigenous fish varieties dropped to only 12–15 percent compared to the past,” said Sanjida Yasmin, fisheries extension officer in Lalmonirhat.

She said waterbodies are drying up fast due to climate change, disrupting the habitat and breeding of fish species. Pollution from chemical fertilisers and pesticides has worsened the crisis. The use of illegal nets results in the harvest of both brood fish and fry, while unplanned dams block migration routes. Overfishing and hybrid aquaculture have further accelerated the decline.

“If we fail to act, even the remaining species may disappear completely within the next decade,” she warned.

Ahsan Kabir Bulu, an agricultural entrepreneur from Lalmonirhat Sadar, said local wetlands, which once supplied fish year-round, now remain dry most of the time. “Earlier I harvested 35–40 maunds of fish annually, but now only 3–4 maunds,” he said.

Jatin Chandra Das, 70, a fisherman from Kurigram’s Rajarhat upazila, recalled that local varieties like catfish, carps, and snakeheads were once abundant. “Now they are rare luxuries. Prices have soared from Tk 200–400 to Tk 600–1,500 per kg, beyond the reach of ordinary people,” he said.

Commercial farming has also contributed to the disappearance of traditional varieties. Fisherman Nirmol Chandra Das of Daspara village in Rangpur’s Gangachara said most natural waterbodies are being leased by the government for commercial cultivation of fish hybrids.

“Natural habitats are disappearing, and with them native fish species,” he said.

“For generations, our food, livelihoods, and even folk songs revolved around indigenous fish. What was once daily food for the poor is now an expensive delicacy for the wealthy,” said Anil Chandra Das, 60, president of Rangpur Fishermen’s Association.

Muktadir Khan, district fisheries officer of Kurigram, said, “Coordinated measures are needed to conserve wetlands, ban illegal nets, raise awareness, and establish hatcheries for fry of indigenous varieties.”

“If we fail to act urgently, future generations may only know about local fish varieties through folklore, but won’t have them on their plates,” he added.