Khulna District, Bangladesh โ The world-renowned Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest on the planet, has long provided livelihoods to countless people who rely on its abundant natural resources, including fish, crabs, honey, and timber. To strike a balance between resource extraction and forest preservation, the Bangladesh Forest Department has issued fee-based permits for resource harvesting in specific areas of the Sundarbans, with the exception of the annual wildlife breeding season from June to August.
Despite these measures, some fishermen continue to employ poison to catch fish year-round, disregarding the ban and causing severe harm to the forest ecosystem and the health of those consuming poisoned fish.
In response to a writ petition filed in September 2021 to halt this destructive practice, the Bangladesh High Court issued a verdict. However, the use of poison for fishing persists as Forest Department officials struggle to put an end to it.
Abdul Alim, a resident of the Sundarbansโ southwestern periphery in Khulna district, described the poison fishing process, stating that fishermen use engine-powered boats to enter the Sundarbans. They employ a toxic syrup-like substance that lures fish and other aquatic species to the shore within minutes.
This method allows fishermen to catch a substantial quantity of fish quickly. Those engaged in poison fishing typically use engine-led boats for swift getaways, evading capture
The Sundarbans stretches across the Bay of Bengal, spanning both Bangladesh and India. In Bangladesh, this unique ecosystem covers approximately 6,017 square kilometers (2,323 square miles) and hosts a diverse array of marine life, including 210 species of white fish, 24 species of shrimp, 14 species of crabs, 43 species of mollusks, and one species of lobster, according to the Bangladesh Forest Department.
Poison fishing poses a severe threat to the forestโs biodiversity, harming a wide range of species. Despite previous government initiatives to combat this practice under the Forest Act, compliance with regulations has been limited. Powerful syndicates in the affected areas operate with impunity.
Mihir Kumar, the forest conservator of Khulna Circle in the Bangladesh Forest Department, acknowledges the ongoing issue. While efforts to curb the practice persist, he noted that they face challenges in enforcement.
In many cases, fish caught using poison are dried in remote areas within the forest before being transported to local markets as dried fish. Local fish traders often refuse to purchase fish caught through this method.
The persistence of poison fishing in the Sundarbans underscores the ongoing challenges in safeguarding this vital and unique natural resource.