Authorities yet to act as dolphins getting caught in nets in Jamuna

Dolphins are getting caught in fishing nets in the Jamuna river, in Daulatpur upazila of Manikganj. Authorities at fisheries department, however, say they are not aware of this.

Yesterday (October 12, 2021), two fishermen were seen carrying a dolphin at Paruria Ghat area, in Baghutia union under the upazila. Asked, they said the dolphin got stuck in their net while they were catching fish in the river, adding that they would sell it, reports our Manikganj correspondent.

Earlier on Monday, another dolphin got caught in the net in the river, under Charkatari Boardghar area. A youth shared image of the dolphin on Facebook after it was caught.

Talking to The Daily Star, Rony Saha, fisheries resources official in the upazila, said he was unaware of the two dolphins caught in fishermen's net, in Jamuna river.  

"I did not know about the two dolphins. However, I have noticed a few dolphins in the Jamuna river. It is possible those might get stuck in fishing nets," he said.

"Due to unrestricted movement of speedboats, trawlers and large boats in Jamuna river, the dolphins may be swimming close to the shore and are getting caught in fishing nets. Also, those may get hit by propellers of the boats. Everyone needs to stay alert so that dolphins are not harmed," said Mohammad Saifur Rahman, fisheries department official in Manikganj district.