Kaptai fishing ban extended till August 10

The Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) has extended the ongoing ban on all types of fishing, marketing and transportation of fishes from Rangamati’s Kaptai Lake till August 10.

Earlier, the fishing ban was imposed for three months from May 1 to July 31 to facilitate natural of aquatic life in Kaptai Lake.

“The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Rangamati deputy commissioner on Wednesday due to fall in water levels at the Kaptai Lake,” BFDC Rangamati Manager Commander Touhidul Islam said while confirming the matter on Wednesday.

“We allow fishing at the lake when the water level is over 105 feet, but now it is around 84.5 feet. Therefore, the ban has been extended till August 10 although fishing activities were expected to resume on July 31,” he added.

Recently, BFDC released 46 tons of young Rui, Katal and Mrigel fishes to increase the production in the lake.

“Due to low rainfall, the water level in the lake has fallen. And if we catch fishes in shallow water, then there is a possibility that all fishes might get netted.

This would hinder the reproduction and growth of fish in the lake,” he added.

Replying a question, this official said, “If we find that the water level has not risen to our expected level by August 10, then we will arrange meeting again on August 8 or 9 and make a decision on the next course of action.”

BFDC data showed that in 2020, fishes worth Tk 13.5 crore were caught from the lake, down from Tk 17 crore in 2019.

Touhidul also expressed hopes that if everything goes well, both the production and revenue from the lake will increase.