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Editorial

Return of near-gone fishes

Creating fish sanctuaries for endangered species imperative


Bangladeshpost
Published : 11 Sep 2020 08:04 PM | Updated : 11 Sep 2020 11:36 PM

Fishes have always been a source of protein and income for cross-sections of people. But sadly, it was noted that a number of fish species were near to extinction in the river basins of the country. Now, after many years, it is being seen that these delicious fresh water fish species which are native to Bangladesh have once again increased in number.

A report published in this daily showed that a number of native fish species such as carp, climbing perch (koi), tilapia, tyangra, swamp barb (puti), banded gourami (kholshe), torrent catfish (magur), apocryptes Bato (bele), spotted snakehead (taki), mola carplet (mila), parambassis ranga (chanda) and others have nearly gone extinct from our waterbodies.

It is hopeful to know that these are not at risk anymore. Also, since these fishes are once again increasing in number, the ecological balance will hopefully get back to its previous condition in the country. Not only this, these fishes should be allowed to increase more in numbers and must be declared endangered so that

people don’t fish these species of fishes for a certain period of time and even if a few are caught, those should be released to prevent extinction.


Since these fishes are once again increasing 

in number, the  ecological  balance will 

hopefully get  back to its  previous  condition  


On the other hand, the fisheries department must put their focus on these fishes and begin research to find out which species can properly be cultivated in a faster and more cost-effective manner. This will also give people scope for farming these fishes in future. 

The report also explained the importance of floods in recent times. Experts believe that migration of fishes during rain and floods helps them to increase in number. If the government can ensure safe fish migration and do not create any barriers in their ways, there will be positive results. Rain can also be credited for the increase in the number of fishes. After all, it is the rain and increase of water level that help fish spread in the natural waterbodies.

It is also laudable that there are over 500 fish sanctuaries that have been set up in various river and inland waterbodies. Above all, it would be prudent to undertake inclusive programmes for expanding fish cultivation in the rural areas for providing assistance to fishermen and those involved in pisciculture.