To protect and develop the fishery resources of Bangladesh, it is prohibited to catch different types of fish at certain times of the year in certain parts of important water bodies such as rivers, coastal areas, seas, lakes, etc. This article is based on all the information about where and when fishing was banned in Bangladesh in the last year.
The most important places in Bangladesh where fishing is prohibited at any time of the year are-
- Meghna Basin (Chandpur, Laxmipur, Bhola, and Patuakhali)
- Coastal area (21 Upazilas of seven districts)
- Bay of Bengal (within 40 m depth)
- Kaptai Lake
- Halda River area about 40 km from Nazirhat bridge to Kalurghat bridge
- 17 canals connected by the Halda river
- An area of 20 to 30 meters inside and around the fish sanctuary
Below is a detailed presentation of the various types of restrictions in different parts of the country. Let us know in the comments if any place or information is omitted.
- Meghna Basin (Chandpur, Laxmipur, Bhola, and Patuakhali)
Location: A total of 100 kilometers from Shatnal of Matlab (North) Upazila of Meghna river Chandpur to Char Alexander of Laxmipur and 90 kilometers from Char Rustam of Patuakhali of Ilishar Shahbazpur channel of Tentulia river adjacent to Bhola.
Duration: March 1 to April 31 (2011): Total two months
Types of prohibitions: All types of fishing and netting are prohibited. Buying, selling, and transporting fish is also prohibited.
Objectives: To protect, increase and conserve hilsa resources of the country
Legal action: Fishermen’s fish and nets are caught, fishermen are imprisoned.
Other measures: Fishermen and their families will be rehabilitated during this time by giving rice, cash, etc. and various materials including cows, goats, sewing machines, vans will be provided.
References: Amardesh Online, 01 March 2011; Bangla News 24, 13 March 2011; Lakshmipur District Information Window, 01 March 2011; Prothom Alo, 2 March 2011
- Coastal area (21 Upazilas of seven districts)
Location: 21 Upazilas of seven coastal districts: Lalmohan, Tajumuddin, Char Fashion, Monpura and Daulatkhan Upazilas of Bhola; Dashmina, Galachipa and Kalapara Upazilas of Patuakhali; Ramgati and Kamalnagar Upazilas of Laripur district; Hatia, Subarnachar and Companiganj Upazilas of Noakhali district; Sonagazi Upazila of Feni district; Mirsarai, Sitaku-Anwara, Banshkhali, and Sandwip Upazilas of Chittagong; Kutubdia and Maheshkhali Upazilas of Cox’s Bazar district
Duration: 15 – 24 October 2010: Total 10 days
Types of prohibition: It is forbidden to catch hilsa
Purpose: To increase the production of Hilsa
Legal action: Fish-net seizure, jail-fine
References: Daily Janakantha, 15 October 2010; Amardesh Online 15 October 2010;
- Bay of Bengal (within 40 m depth)
Location: Up to 40 m depth of Bay of Bengal
Duration: Throughout the year
Types of prohibitions: Fishing within a depth of 40 meters (120 feet) of the sea is prohibited. Obligation to use 45 mm net for shrimp and 60 mm for other fish.
Objective: To protect the country’s marine fisheries from rapid depletion
References: Daily Azadi, 3 February 2011;
- Kaptai Lake
Location: Kaptai Lake
Duration: May to July of each year: Total three months (2010 – May 10 to August 10)
Types of prohibitions: Fishing, marketing, and transportation are prohibited in the lake
Purpose: To increase the natural reproduction and production of fish in the lake
Other measures: 30 to 35 metric tons of fish fry in the lake without fry (2010), VGF card distribution to fishermen (2010), food aid will be provided to a total of 10,158 fishermen from May to June, they will receive 20 kg monthly assistance for two months. (2011)
Authority: Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC)
References: Prothom Alo, 11 May 2010; Bdnews24.com, 14 February 2011; Daily Azadi, 26 January 2011;
- (A) Halda (area of about 40 km from Nazirhat bridge to Kalurghat bridge) and
(B) 18 canals connected to Halda
Location: (a) Area of about 40 km from Haldar Nazirhat Bridge to Kalurghat Bridge (b) 18 canals connected to Haldar
Duration: (a) Throughout the year (b) Total 6 months from February to July
Types of prohibitions: Fishing is prohibited
Objectives: Conservation and free movement of mother fish in Halda river and river-connected canals, restoration of natural fish breeding grounds, making the natural breeding grounds of Halda river safer,
Other Measures: Allocation of 159 tons of rice under the special scheme for alternative employment of poor people around the Halda river. From February to July, 2,650 fishermen will be given 30 kg of rice per month as assistance.
Authority: –
References: Kaler Kantho, 23 March 2011; Top News, 28 February 2010;
- Fisheries Sanctuary
Location: An area of 20 to 30 meters inside and around the fish sanctuary
Duration: Throughout the year
Types of prohibitions: All types of fishing are prohibited
Objective: To increase fish biodiversity i.e. number of species and fish production
References: AgroBangla
This article wrote by ABM Mohsin
Professor, Department of Fisheries, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi-7205, Bangladesh
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