Crab catching unabated near Sundarbans

Random catching of mother crabs in different rivers and canals in the coastal areas adjacent to the Sundarbans is going on unabated, defying a ban by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, during the ongoing breeding season.

Hunting of crabs near the Sundarbans poses threat to the species and, consequently, ecological balance in the region.

Generally, crabs lay eggs in the Sundarbans areas on a large scale in the breeding period between the months of January and March, but they fall easy prey to hunting as a section of fishermen engage in crab catching.

The authorities concerned have imposed ban on crab catching in the Sundarbans area during this time of the year to protect the species as it is their breeding period.

Environmentalists urged the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to protect and preserve the species for its economic value.

Professor Salma Begum of Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University said crabs help to maintain ecological balance as they area used as food by different animals in the mangrove forest areas.

It has high demand as an export item but its cultivation and research have not been given due importance, she added.

During a recent visit to the coastal areas, this correspondent found hundreds of fishermen catching crabs and shrimps with the help of current nets and  traps, defying the ongoing ban.

A number of fishermen, seeking anonymity, said they catch crabs and sell those at different areas in Khulna region due to high demand.

A fisherman can catch 3 to 4 kg of crabs daily and each kg is selling for Taka 500 to 850.

Khulna District Fisheries Officer Shamim Haider said, according to the special act, crab catching is prohibited only in the Sundarbans area.

Shamim said in absence of such law in the other parts of the country, a section of fishermen are engaged in random catching of crabs.