As the depth has decreased, the reservoirs do not hold water for most of the year. The navigability of the river has also reduced. The deep ditches in the bends of the river are filled. Because of this, many species, especially deep-water fish, are also in critical condition in the Haor area.
In Sylhet's four districts, there are numerous haors, Beels, and canals. But now they don't get fish like before. According to the fisheries department, about 60 species of fish are about to disappear. Many fishes that have become entirely extinct cannot be brought back.
Local fishermen said that the safe habitat of fish or the place to lay eggs has decreased due to various reasons. These include drying up of Beels and reservoirs, excessive use of pesticides, illegal fishing with nets and current nets, killing of larvae and mother fish, construction of unnecessary dams, flooding of land with runoff water, destruction of fish habitats by removal of old vegetation under water. Due to this, many species of delicious and expensive fish are gradually disappearing. Therefore, the dependence on foreign species of fish cultivated in ponds is increasing to meet the nutritional needs of people.
According to the fisheries office sources, the delicious fish that have become extinct in the district include Kakila, Madhu Pabda, Bhat Shingi, Muri Bacha, Patasi, Ram Tangra, Army Tangra, Rita, Guji Aier, Darkina, Dhela, Zebra, Kechi Chela, Chebli, Ghora Chela. ,Narkeli Chela, Bagra Barali, Angra Rui, Eriza Rui, Chaguni, Kursa, Lasu Rui, Kala Bata, Nanid, Ghoramukho, Mahashol, Lohachata Rani, Bou Fish, Gajar, Baghair etc.
Kazirbazar fish trader Kala Mia said that many fish in the river are no longer seen. As many canals and bills are filled, the fish are not able to lay their eggs in the normal process. As there is fewer fish in the river, foreign fish have taken over the market. Moreover, due to unplanned embankments to prevent premature floods, fish breeding is also decreasing.
A fisherman named Alauddin said that the movement of fish and the place of egg laying has also been destroyed. The obstacle has been created in the way of fish. No place to lay eggs. Many people catch fish using illegal bait in the river, as a result, fish are not caught in the net like before. Planned initiatives are needed to prevent fish extinction.
Deputy Director of Sylhet Divisional Fisheries Office. Anwar Hossain said, mainly due to natural reasons, many fish are disappearing. There are also man-made factors. There is no water in the rivers-canals-bills now, they are getting filled with silt. Many fishes are disappearing due to the loss of navigability of rivers. Apart from this, the construction of unnecessary crop protection dams in Haor, use of pesticides and illegal nets, and indiscriminate fishing by drying Haor or Beel. Due to this, the fish are not able to reproduce normally.
He also said that the nets that people use now are very advanced. Besides, many people use illegal bait to catch fish. They cause extensive damage to fish and at the same time spoil the water in the canals. Those who do this need to be brought under the law. Anwar Hossain said, but the government is working for normal fish breeding. Fishing in the sea was stopped for 65 days, the result of which we got. Again, fishing is stopped for eight months to save Jhatka fish. As a result, hilsha has also increased. Similarly, a month-long fishing ban is being planned in Sylhet. If so, the fish in the Haors will increase to some extent. Apart from this, young fish are being released in different reservoirs. Fishermen are encouraged to form associations so that they can catch fish according to regulations. This is a difficult matter, it will take time. Nevertheless, this year there are more fish than in other years. All in all, we all need to be aware.