HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, May 22: The District Fishery Development Office of Sivasagar has intensified its crackdown on illegal fishing activities during the ongoing fish breeding season, which spans from April 1 to July 15.
On Thursday, a team led by District Fishery Development Officer J P Duwara conducted raids in various beels and swampy areas, including Panidihing and Saraguwa, seizing fishing nets of various sizes from unauthorized fish traders.
These enforcement actions are in line with the Assam Fishery Rules, 1953, which prohibit the use of certain types of fishing nets, such as berjal, mahajal, or fasijal, with mesh sizes less than 7 cm bar (14 cm mesh) during the breeding season.
Additionally, the capture of brood or gravid fish—those carrying eggs or sperm—of species like Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Mali, Chital, Kharia, Pithia, Gharia, Kuri, and Bhangon is strictly forbidden during this period.
To enforce these regulations, the District Magistrate of Sivasagar issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, effectively banning illegal fishing practices across the district.
Prior to the raids, the District Fishery Development Office conducted awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas such as Dikhowmukh, Gaurisagar, and Konwarpur from April 2 to April 9, educating local communities about sustainable fishing practices and the importance of conserving fish populations.
Despite these efforts, rampant illegal fishing in natural reservoirs like Panidihing has led to the near extinction of certain local fish species, including changa sengeli and banhpotia.
Officials note that occasional raids often prompt illegal fishers to intensify their activities to compensate for the loss of seized equipment.
To enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts, authorities suggest involving non-governmental organisations focused on nature conservation and wildlife in future awareness drives.