Government bans sucker fish

The government has issued the final gazette notification banning Suckermouth catfish, locally known as sucker fish.

As per the directives of the president, deputy secretary of the fisheries and livestock ministry Mrinal Kanti Dey issued the notification on January 11, banning the catfish, a handout said yesterday.

As per the notification, no one can import, culture, transport, sell, supply and conserve Suckermouth catfish.

Earlier, the ministry issued a notification on September 25, 2022 to amend Section 18 of the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act 1950, aiming to ban sucker fish.

People were asked to submit their opinion before the ministry within two months if they had any objection or suggestions to this end.

Native to South America, the fish is well known for being invasive. The species is a threat to native fishes in waterbodies, as it fights for space and nutrients.