Illegal Fishing Persists in Naogaon’s Punarbhaba River Despite Ban

Despite a government ban, the illegal netting of small fish and fry remains unchecked in the Punarbhaba River in Porsha, Naogaon. Unscrupulous fishermen are using prohibited gear—including current, ring, and China double nets—to catch fish fry, notably baby boal, which are then sold openly in local markets at premium prices.

Locals report that while the Upazila Fisheries Department occasionally conducts raids to seize and destroy illegal nets, fishermen resume their activities as soon as officials leave. Residents warn that this rampant catching of young fish, particularly during the monsoon breeding season, threatens to severely deplete the river’s aquatic resources.

In response, Upazila Fisheries Officer Shamim Reza stated that operations to protect the river's fish are ongoing. "We have seized and burned many illegal nets, but our surveillance will be further strengthened," he said. Reza added that special drives will soon target both the river and local markets to bring offenders to justice.