Fishing has resumed in Kaptai Lake after a three-month-and-15-day seasonal ban, reviving economic activity around the lake and bringing relief to thousands of fishermen and their families.
The annual restriction is imposed to allow fish to breed and reproduce naturally. With the ban lifted, thousands of fishermen have returned to the lake with boats and nets in hopes of restoring their livelihoods after months of uncertainty.
Fishing in Kaptai Lake was suspended from midnight on 24 April under an order issued by the Rangamati district administration. The restriction was lifted from midnight on Monday.
Since then, the lake has become busy again, with fishermen heading out at dawn to different parts of the vast waterbody with nets and other fishing equipment.
The prolonged restriction had left many fishermen uncertain about their income and livelihoods. Its withdrawal has brought a sense of relief to fishing families around the lake.
Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Rangamati Manager Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said a large quantity of fish arrived at the BFDC landing centre on the first day after fishing resumed.
He said the fish were somewhat smaller because of inclement weather, but expressed optimism that production in Kaptai Lake would surpass previous records in the coming days following the opportunity for natural breeding and reproduction during the ban.
Authorities have, however, stressed the need to follow fishing regulations to ensure sustainable fish production and protect natural breeding in the lake.
Kaptai Lake is closely linked to Rangamati’s economy and the livelihoods of a large number of people in the region.
While the resumption of fishing has brought relief to fishermen, proper enforcement of fishing regulations and effective monitoring are considered important for maintaining fish production and breeding in the lake.
Locals said the lake was not only an important source of economic activity in Rangamati but was also closely connected to the livelihoods of thousands of people in the hill district.
They said increasing fish production while protecting the lake and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishermen remained major challenges.
They hoped stronger government monitoring, greater awareness among fishermen and proper management would help make Kaptai Lake an even richer fishery resource, benefiting thousands of fishing families living around it.
