The use of banned ‘China duari’ nets has spread alarmingly across rivers, canals, wetlands and water bodies in Madaripur, posing a serious threat to native fish populations and aquatic biodiversity.
The extremely fine-mesh nets are being used in waterways across all five upazilas of the district, trapping not only large fish but also fry, eggs, breeding fish and other aquatic creatures. Fisheries experts warn that the practice is disrupting natural breeding cycles and reducing the availability of indigenous fish species.
The use of the nets increases during the monsoon, when many native fish species breed and multiply. However, locals say the illegal practice continues throughout the year in rivers, canals and wetlands across Sadar, Shibchar, Kalkini, Dasar and Rajoir upazilas.
During a visit to different areas of Shibchar, it was found that China duari nets were being placed in shallow parts of rivers, canals and wetlands, with one end submerged in water and the other kept on land. In some places, the same nets were left in water for days.
The nets trapped large fish as well as small fry, egg-carrying mother fish, frogs, crabs, snails and other aquatic animals.
Residents said that just a few years ago, local rivers, canals and wetlands were rich in native fish, with markets regularly supplied with local varieties. However, indiscriminate fishing, particularly through the use of China duari nets, has significantly reduced fish availability.
Locals in Shibchar alleged that although the banned nets are openly used in different water bodies, effective measures to stop the practice remain limited. Similar scenes have been reported in canals and wetlands in Kalkini and Dasar, where illegal fishing continues due to inadequate monitoring.
Fisheries officials said the fine mesh of China duari nets makes them highly destructive for fish reproduction. A single net can trap fish of all sizes, including young fish and other aquatic species, damaging future fish stocks.
They warned that the destruction of breeding fish and new generations could lead to a long-term decline in native fish production.
Locals said authorities occasionally conduct drives and seize the illegal nets, but the practice continues due to a lack of regular surveillance. In many cases, fishermen remove the nets during the day and place them back in water at night.
They demanded year-round drives against the banned nets, increased monitoring of sales points, seizure of illegal fishing equipment and strict legal action against those involved.
Madaripur District Fisheries Department official Prashanta Kumar said fish play an important role in the country’s economy and social life, with a large number of people dependent on the sector.
“Some dishonest traders and individuals use banned China duari nets for higher profits,” he said, adding that the fisheries department regularly conducts drives at district and upazila levels.
He said mobile court operations are also carried out with magistrates, but some people continue using the banned nets secretly at night. “Our drives against these nets will continue,” he added.
Experts believe that enforcement alone will not be enough to stop the practice. They called for greater awareness among fishermen and residents, along with stricter monitoring of the sale and supply of illegal nets.
They said coordinated efforts by the fisheries department, local administration and elected representatives could significantly reduce the use of China duari nets.
Residents fear that without immediate and effective action, several native fish species could disappear in the future. They called for permanent measures to protect rivers, canals, wetlands and other water bodies from destructive fishing methods.
