Electric Shock Fishing Nets Seized in Meghna River Raid
Illegal fishing using special electrically wired nets is reportedly being carried out secretly in the Meghna River and its tributaries. The practice involves using electric shocks to catch fish, resulting in the death of fish fry, eggs, and various aquatic creatures including snakes and frogs, thereby threatening the river’s natural ecosystem.
In response, a raid was conducted on Sunday night, 15 March, in the river adjacent to Moulvirhat in Hizla Upazila following a tip-off. During the operation, authorities seized a trawler and electronic devices used for electric shock fishing. The drive was led by Senior Fisheries Officer Mohammad Alam of Hizla Upazila in Barishal. He said the fishermen involved managed to flee after sensing the presence of the authorities. However, the equipment seized from the trawler is estimated to be worth around Tk 40,000.
He further said that members of the police, including Sub-Inspector Md. Shahzada of the Hizla Naval Police Outpost, participated in the operation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the accused, while awareness activities are also being conducted among local residents.
Mohammad Alam said that the use of electric shock not only kills fish but also other aquatic creatures such as snakes and frogs. Even if some fish survive, their reproductive capacity is often destroyed, which can cause long-term damage to biodiversity.
According to sources at the Upazila Fisheries Office, the Meghna River is a sanctuary for Hilsa. In addition, almost all species of fish are found in its tributaries and canals. Among smaller fish, species such as Bashpata, Bairali, Bele, Ritha, and freshwater prawn are commonly found.
Among larger fish, apart from Hilsa, Pangash weighing between 5 and 10 kilograms, as well as Bagair, Boal, and Bheush are also caught in the river. Thousands of fishermen have long depended on this river and its tributaries for their livelihoods.
Local sources said that in pursuit of catching more fish in a shorter time, a group of unscrupulous fishermen have been secretly using electrically wired nets to catch fish with electric shocks in the Meghna River and its tributaries. Through this method, they indiscriminately catch both small and large fish, resulting in declining fish production and posing a severe threat to biodiversity.
According to sources, electricity is generated by connecting an inverter to batteries commonly used in rickshaws or easy bikes. One wire is placed in the water while another is connected to the net. Electricity spreads through the water, causing nearby fish to float to the surface within seconds, after which they are collected using nets.
DBTech/BNO/EK/OR
