Fishing is prohibited within 300 feet of native fish sanctuaries

The Haor reservoirs of Jamalganj were once a reservoir of native fish. But due to natural disasters and man-made irregularities, many native species of fish are in danger of extinction. Farmed fish are now scattered in different markets of Jamalganj. But hopefully, the demand and appreciation of native species of fish has raised the possibility of bringing them back again.

In such a situation, upazila fisheries office has taken initiative to increase the production of local fish. Native fish sanctuary has been built at Shahpur, Golamipur Surma river points of Sadar Union of Jamalganj. This sanctuary has been built with the funding of ADP in Jamalganj for the purpose of production, preservation and propagation of indigenous species of fish. Those concerned said that it will be successful. Fishing will be prohibited throughout the year within 300 feet of the sanctuary.

According to Upazila Fisheries Office sources, the open water bodies dry up during the dry season. The fish habitat is decreasing day by day. Besides, due to hunting of fish during the breeding season, free fishing in Haor Bill irrigation, native species of fish are decreasing. Fisheries Office has taken up a project funded by ADP to protect indigenous fish species. Various species of indigenous fish will be bred in the 0.6 hectare sanctuary on the banks of Surma river in Sadar Union's Shahpur, Golamipur. Every monsoon this fish will migrate to open water bodies. This will prevent extinction of native species of fish and increase fish production.

On the ground, Shahpur, Golamipur can be seen on the Surma river, surrounded on all sides by bamboo and wood and red flags. Native species of fish are collected from different places and bred in the sanctuary. Various species of fish including Kai, Magur, Pabda, Rita, Bacha, Chital, Baus, Id fish will be kept and propagated in the sanctuary.

The project is also involving permanent residents of the area. Local fishermen have been involved in fish conservation work. A shelter management committee has been formed with 100 fishermen. Abhayashram is being managed through this committee. Fishing will be prohibited throughout the year within 300 feet of the sanctuary.

Fishermen staying in the sanctuary said that we have built the sanctuary for the growth and conservation of local fish on the initiative of the Fisheries Office. Hopefully, it will increase the reproduction of fish and increase the breed of native species of extinct fish.

Upazila Fisheries Officer Sunanda Rani Modak presided over the discussion meeting before the opening of the sanctuary last Tuesday. Upazila Parishad Chairman Iqbal Al Azad gave a speech as the chief guest under the direction of Jamalganj Sadar UP Secretary Gonendra Kumar Talukder. Bhimkhali UP Chairman said as a special guest. Akhtaruzzaman Talukder, former president of Jamalganj Press Club. Wali Ullah Government, Jamalganj Sadar UP Panel Chairman. Nurul Huda, member of Bhimkhali UP. Babul Mia, Jamalganj Sadar UP Member. Atiqur Rahman Atiq.

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