Sachchida Nanda Dey Saday,  Assasuni (Satkhira)

Widespread illegal fishing with banned nets continues unabated in the rivers, canals, and wetlands of Assasuni. Once a leading fish-producing upazila in the country, the region is now witnessing a visible decline in fish stocks. Experts warn that the indiscriminate use of banned fine-mesh nets—such as current nets, mosquito nets, and 'bhim' nets—is resulting in the destruction of millions of fish fry daily.

According to local sources, illegal fishing is ongoing in over 30 water bodies, including the Kapotakkho, Betna, Kholpetua, Puinjala, Chheutia, Himkhali, Dhopakhal, Shoilmarir, Kodorsha, Holdepota, Pangamari, Dohor, Shalkhali, Golghesia, Sonabandhal, Bozra, Darar, Gabtali, Kolabaria, and Gouranga Kumari canals. This is happening even before water levels have normalized in many of these canals and rivers.

Illegal nets are openly sold in local markets such as Bardal, Budhhata, Khajra, Anulia, and Pratapnagar. Despite the weekly market at Budhhata featuring new stalls selling these nets, the authorities have yet to take any visible action.

Recently, a drive was conducted in Shovonali Union to remove illegal fishing structures, including fine-mesh nets and earthen embankments that obstruct water flow and waste drainage. The operation took place in the Bhimtala Canal, where the Upazila Administration and the Department of Fisheries, led by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Satyajit Majumder, removed 20 net traps (netpata) and dismantled illegal embankments under the Fish Conservation Act 1950.

The aim of the drive was to restore natural water flow, protect indigenous fish species, and remove obstructions in sanitation and drainage systems. The Fisheries Officer emphasized that from May 20 to July 23, fishing in the sea is officially banned, and special drives are being carried out in rivers and canals during this time. However, unscrupulous groups are still using illegal blue nets and ultra-fine mesh to catch fry, he noted.

Local experts fear that if such practices continue, the native fish species of Assasuni's rivers and canals will soon face extinction. This will severely affect both the livelihoods of local fishermen and the country’s overall fish production.

Residents are calling on the local administration and the Department of Fisheries to ensure regular monitoring and enforce strict penalties to eliminate the use of banned nets entirely.