Illegal China Duari fishing nets threaten biodiversity and fish stocks across southern Bangladesh

The widespread use of a fine-meshed fishing trap known as “China Duari” is threatening the biodiversity of native fish species across southern Bangladesh. The device, which functions as an indiscriminate trap, is causing severe depletion of fish stocks by capturing both mature fish and juvenile fry, thereby disrupting the critical breeding cycles of freshwater species.

The trap, typically consisting of a series of metal rings or springs encased in a long, tunnel-like net measuring 60 to 100 feet, is being deployed extensively across the river systems, canals, and wetlands of Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Pirojpur, and Jhalokathi districts. Fisheries experts note that the net’s design—which features inward-facing, one-way entrances—makes it impossible for aquatic life to escape once trapped.

Despite being illegal under national fisheries laws, the use of these nets has surged over the past six years due to their efficiency and ease of use. Local fishermen, such as Suren Mondal from the Satla and Harta wetlands of Uzirpur, admit to using the nets out of necessity, claiming that traditional methods no longer yield sufficient catches. Many users remain unaware of the legal prohibitions, even as authorities conduct periodic raids to seize and incinerate the equipment.

Anisuzzaman, a senior assistant director at the Department of Fisheries in the Barishal division, confirmed that the nets are banned regardless of specific gazette notifications, as they violate existing size regulations for mesh. “We have been conducting operations in areas like Gournadi and Agailjhara to destroy these nets, and instructions have been issued to all fisheries officials to intensify these crackdowns,” he stated.

Recent research underscores the gravity of the situation. A 2024 study led by professors from Patuakhali Science and Technology University, published in the European Journal of Zoology, identified 105 fish species in the south-central coastal region. Of these, 11 are considered vulnerable, 14 endangered, and 7 critically endangered. Researchers warn that the indiscriminate nature of the “China Duari” net significantly accelerates the risk of extinction for these fragile populations.

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While the Department of Fisheries reports an upward trend in total annual fish harvest—citing 44,600 tons for the 2024-25 fiscal year—local fishermen report a drastic decline in catch quality and diversity. Veteran fishers like Abdur Rahim of Barguna describe a collapse in daily earnings, noting that the scarcity of fish has forced them into unsustainable labor arrangements.

Mir Mohammad Ali, an aquaculture researcher at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, warned that the lack of public awareness regarding the environmental and long-term economic damage caused by these nets remains a significant hurdle. He urged for stricter regulatory controls, cautioning that failure to act could lead to the irreversible degradation of the nation’s inland aquatic resources.

In response, local administrations have ramped up enforcement efforts. Recent raids in Pirojpur’s Kawkhali and Barguna’s Betagi resulted in the seizure and public destruction of thousands of meters of “China Duari” nets, signaling an intensified effort to curb their proliferation.