‘64 native fish species are extinct’

The total number of native fish species that have become extinct is 64, said Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim, citing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in parliament yesterday.

In response to a question from Laxmipur-2 MP Nur Uddin Chowdhary Nayan, the minister said, "Native fish are an important part of our culture and are our main source of animal protein.

"But many native fish species are now extinct due to climate change and overfishing."

Rezaul said the fisheries department has taken significant steps to safeguard the native fish species, some of which are now on the verge of extinction.

The government is undertaking extensive efforts to restore their habitats by rehabilitating, re-dredging, and dredging water bodies that have become unfit for natural reproduction and free movement, he added.

ADVERSE EFFECTS ON FISHERY RESOURCES

Responding to another question, the minister said Bangladesh was experiencing the effects of climate change, just like other nations.

He said, "Spike in temperature, rise in sea level, and intrusion of saltwater in rivers are negatively affecting coastal fisheries.

"Characteristical changes are being observed in habitats, behaviours, migrations, and reproductions of freshwater fish."

He further said, "The increased temperature and insufficient rain are causing habitats, natural reproduction, and breeding grounds of native fish to decline.

"Because of the drop in groundwater level, ponds are becoming drier and fewer in number. Ponds which used to have water throughout the year are being converted into seasonal ones."

The minister, however, said the government is taking measures to deal with the adverse effects of climate change on the fisheries sector.