THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE SEA UNDER THREAT DUE TO ILLEGAL FISHING IN MAHESKHALI, COX’S BAZAR, BANGLADESH

By Tahsin Taha (Student, Dept. of Law,
North-South University, BD)

Fishes are being hunted at the seashore of Maheskhali including different islands in Cox’s Bazar by using current nets (the nets have so small holes that not only small fishes but also the fish eggs are caught in some cases).

 For this reason, different species of marine animals are dying with fishes. This is a threat to the biodiversity of the sea.

It is known that illegal fishing with current nets is being continued openly across 50 km area including the area adjacent to the Adinath Temple on the coast of Maheshkhali of Cox’s Bazar,

Hamidardia Island, Mudirchara, Gorokghata, Baradia, Bariapara of Shaplapur Union, Jaliapara, Jhapua, the area adjacent to Badarkhali, Zamghat, Sonadia, Dhalghata, Taziakata, and Ghotibhanga. In addition, 250 fence nets and 100 spiral nets have been set up in the estuary area of the river and sea.

Fisheries scientists said that fishing with fence nets and current nets is causing the death of thousands of endangered species of aquatic animals including turtles in the coastal areas. As a result, the biodiversity of the sea will be destroyed and there will be a fish crisis.

Regarding this Mr. Hemal Chandra Roy, Upazilla fisheries officer at Maheskhali said that the campaign against the prohibited current nets is underway. He also said,

“Last Tuesday three current nets were seized and burnt from Gorokghata and Adinath area by carrying out a raid. At that time, two spiral nets were also taken away and destroyed. In addition, during the week-long raid from the 7th to 13th of the current month, 12 current nets and 25 spiral nets were seized and burnt from the coastal island area.