Fishing resumes in Kaptai Lake following three-month seasonal ban
Photo Collected
Fishing activities have resumed in Kaptai Lake following the lifting of a three-and-a-half-month ban. Commercial harvesting officially commenced shortly after midnight on Monday, with fishermen beginning to return to the docks with their first catches on Tuesday morning.
At the Fishery Landing Center in Rangamati, the atmosphere was busy as boats arrived from various areas, including Longadu, Barkal, Subalong, and Bandukbhanga. Fishermen, laborers, and wholesalers were seen unloading, weighing, and loading fish onto transport trucks throughout the morning.
Fisherman Mohammad Ibrahim reported a productive first outing, noting that while the initial catch was steady, operations would continue throughout the day. Wholesaler Mohammad Kabir Mia observed that while the quantity of fish is promising, the average size of the specimens remains relatively small.
This sentiment was echoed by Mohammad Panna Mia, treasurer of the Rangamati Fish Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society, who emphasized the need for improved infrastructure. He pointed out a significant lack of space for storage and pontoon facilities, stating that addressing these logistical challenges would greatly benefit the local industry. Bulbul Hossain, joint secretary of the same cooperative, stated that a clearer picture of the total yield would emerge once the day’s activities conclude.
Mohammad Foyez Al Karim, manager of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) in Rangamati, confirmed that the landing center has returned to full operation. He noted that while 16 metric tons of fish had been recorded by 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the overall growth of the fish has been somewhat hampered by adverse weather conditions. For comparison, the first day of the season last year saw 125 metric tons of fish harvested. Despite the slow start, authorities remain optimistic that if weather conditions remain favorable, the annual harvest will exceed the production targets.
The ban was formally lifted on Monday following an order issued by Rangamati District Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi. Although commercial activity is permitted, the administration has imposed strict regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices. These requirements include mandatory licensing from the BFDC, a prohibition on catching fry smaller than nine inches, a ban on fishing within designated sanctuaries, and a requirement that all catches must be offloaded only at authorized landing sites.
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