Fry catching wreaks havoc on fish in coastal rivers

Indiscriminate catching of fries is causing a sharp depletion of shrimp and other fish resources in the rivers of the coastal district.
A section of unscrupulous fishermen are continuing the mindless netting of fries, locals alleged.
The Bay of Bengal on the south links with Bishkhali and Payra rivers across the district.
During tide, huge fries of lobster, prawn and different other fishes are carried by the sea water into the two rivers.
Ignorant fishermen catch these fries from the rivers by using mosquito nets.
The Fisheries Department apprehends that if the practice continues unhindered this way, different species of fish will soon disappear from the rivers and water bodies of the coastal region.
While visiting the area, a large number of women and children were found catching fries of lobster and prawn on the banks of the Bishkhali, Baleswar and Payra rivers.
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute conducted a study on the rivers and canals in the offshore areas from 1991-97 under the title "Survey and Assistance of Shrimp Fry Resources of Bangladesh."
According to the study, fry collectors are causing harm to 38 species of prawn and six other fishes and 100 species of aquatic animals because of the senseless act.
It was found that in one single drive innumerable fries of tengra, poa and taposhi were caught with seven or eight fries of prawn.
There are 147 hatcheries of prawn in the country. These hatcheries produce one thousand crore fries each year and the annual demand of fries in the country is three thousand crore.
Experts said the deficit could be met by increasing the number of authorised hatcheries and it will protect different species of fish.
Barguna assistant fishery official Ruhul Amin said netting fries from the rivers is officially restricted.
The fishery department has strengthened its activities to stop collection and netting of prawn fries, he added.
Legal actions are needed alongside mass awareness to stop such mindless catching of fries, he pointed out.