The government has launched a special combing operation to remove illegal nets that are destroying the country's fisheries.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is conducting a special 30-day operation in 17 districts this year to remove all kinds of illegal nets that destroy fish resources including ‘behundi’ nets and current nets. This drive will continue in four phases till 20 February 2022.
The information was provided in a press release sent to the media by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Sunday. The 17 districts covered by the special combing operation are Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola, Barisal, Noakhali, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Munshiganj, Lakshmipur, Shariatpur, Madaripur and Chandpur.
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It may be mentioned that according to the Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules, 1985, the government issued a notification in 2013 prohibiting the use of harmful nets such as ‘behundi’ nets, mosquito nets, charghera nets, fence nets, current nets etc. and hilsa trapping nets have been fixed at 6.5 cm or 2.6 inches.
Increased use of these nets, which are harmful to fisheries, will destroy the eggs, pollen and fry of various marine and coastal species of fish, including jatka, and adversely affect fish production in open water, as well as aquatic biodiversity.
There is a provision to impose a maximum fine of Tk 5,000 or imprisonment of 1-2 years or both for the users of these nets that has been banned by the government.