Native fish species disappearing from Chandina

Chandina Correspondent :

Once upon a time, the canals, beels and ponds of Chandina in Comilla were an endless storehouse of native fish. The water bodies here were full of numerous species of fish including Rui, Katla, Mrigel, Shing, Magur, Koi, Taki, Puti, Mala, Dhela, Bain, Shoal, Gajar, Chital, Pabda, Tengra.

But now that picture has changed a lot. Native fish species are disappearing with time. This traditional resource of Chandina is on the verge of extinction, which is a big threat not only to the fishermen, but also to the local environment and biodiversity.

There are several reasons behind this pitiful state of native fish species. One of these is unplanned fish farming and the invasion of foreign species. Foreign fish species, such as tilapia, pangasius, and African magur, are being cultivated in large numbers in local ponds.

These fish take over the food and habitat of native fish, and even eat their eggs and fry. As a result, native fish are unable to reproduce.

In addition, the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in cropland is another major cause. These toxic chemicals mix with rainwater and enter rivers, canals, and streams, which destroy the reproductive capacity of fish and in many cases cause their death.

Climate change and filling of natural water bodies are also contributing to the extinction of fish. Due to the lack of banks or small canals to retain water during the monsoon, the breeding and migration areas of native fish are being destroyed.

Many water bodies are being taken over by influential groups or are being filled and houses and other structures are being built there.