DHAKA, May 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Bangladesh has banned fishing off it’s an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Bay of Bengal for 65 days to try and boost depleted fish stocks.
He issued the directive, aimed at boosting Bangladesh’s marine fish stock, during a views-exchange meeting held at the Chittagong Circuit House.
Stating that marine resources are not unlimited, the state minister said: “These resources will deplete one day if we do not use them sustainably. We should let fish grow and breed. Otherwise, we will have to suffer in the future.”
State Minister Ashraf further said that people should keep in mind that the ban period of 65 days is during the breeding season of marine fish. “The ban on catching fish during this period is enforced to ensure safe breeding and conservation of fish and shrimp,” he added.
Urging everyone to come forward to conserve marine resources, the state minister hoped that fish production would soar if the ban on catching fish during the restricted period could be enforced properly.
Meanwhile, several hundred fishermen of Chittagong, carrying festoons, placards and banners, staged a demonstration at the Circuit House premises against the decision of the 65-day ban on catching fish from the Bay of Bengal.
Earlier, on May 20, 2015, the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry issued a gazette notification prohibiting fishing in the bay between May 20 and July 23, every year, to ensure smooth breeding of fish.
Later, a writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the ban. However, on May 15, 2017, the High Court upheld the government order.
There are 475 species of fish, 36 species of shrimp, 15 species of crab, seven species of squid and cuttle fish, five species of turtle, 56 species of algae, and 301 species of snail and oyster in the Bay of Bengal—of which, 85 to 90 of are commercially important.
NNN-AGENCIES
