Nine Fish Species Rising in the Sundarbans, Six Declining: Findings of a Two-Year Study
Stocks of nine fish species are rising in the Sundarbans, but stocks of at least six species are on the decline. The picture emerged from a study of the current state of fish and aquatic resources in the Sundarbans that ran for nearly two years.
The study, titled 'Assessment of Aquatic Resources of the Sundarbans', was conducted to determine the current state of the Sundarbans' fish and aquatic resources, the size of stocks, the threats they face and future management.
The study found that stocks of olua/amadi, parshe, bhetki/koral, poa, datina, gagra tengra, pangas, harina shrimp and chaka shrimp are on the rise. According to the study, increased freshwater flow has pushed the stocks of these nine species upward.
On the other hand, stocks of payra/chitra/bishtara, nona tengra, kain magur, golda shrimp, bagda shrimp and shila crab are on the decline. Stocks of the remaining species are currently at a tolerable or stable level, the study said.
Illegal harvesting, catching of fry and various environmental adversities are seen as among the main reasons behind the decline in fish stocks.
The study was led by Dr M Enamul Haque, a former director of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, together with eight other researchers. Dr Haque said the stock status of about 15 fish and shrimp species was analysed, and stocks of at least six of them are declining, which is a matter of concern.
Dr Enamul Haque also said that while large species such as bhetki were previously more abundant in the Sundarbans, smaller species have now become somewhat more abundant. He said seven species were formally identified through DNA barcoding for the first time in the study.
Experts have advised taking various steps, including controlling fish harvesting, considering the overall state of the Sundarbans' aquatic resources. The government has said necessary measures will be taken after receiving the study's recommendations on aquatic resources and fish stocks.
