Two-month ban on crab netting

The authorities have imposed a two-month restriction on catching crabs from the Sundarbans during the ongoing breeding period.

The ban remained effective from January 1 to February 28, said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans Mahmudul Hasan.

The DFO said January and February comprise the breeding season of crabs. During this time the mother crabs release eggs. Then the crab larva comes out from the eggs.

Though the crabs are grown in the rivers or canals, they move towards the warmer water of the sea for breeding. Besides, the salinity of the sea water is higher, which is suitable for breeding of the crustaceans, he said.

Due to this, the government has imposed the ban so that no one can catch crabs during their breeding time, he added

Besides, when the female crabs bear egg, it is very easy to catch them. If the crabs are not hunted at this time, there will be a boost in its production next year.

Crab catchers and traders, however, have expressed worry over the government decision to impose the ban, saying that it causes seasonal unemployment for a large number of people engaged in the trade. 

Crab trader Sanatan Das said a number of crabs in the area come from the Sundarbans. In January-February, the export came down to about zero. As a result, thousands of people involved in the trading have become jobless at that time.

Locals alleged that some unscrupulous fishermen are still netting crabs from different areas of the Sundarbans. This will cause serious harm for the species.

District Fisheries Officer Zia Haider Chowdhury said action will be taken against the unscrupulous fishermen after investigation.