Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter has criticized the lack of responsibility to preserve fish breeding cycles in the haor region, labeling it a short-sighted approach by both consumers and fish harvesters.

“Haor fisheries are a gift from nature, and neglecting their conservation is a significant disservice,” she said at a stakeholder consultation workshop on conserving haor fisheries, held at the Khans Palace Convention Hall in Sylhet’s Subidbazar today (November 23).

Farida Akhter highlighted the harmful effects of human intervention on fish farming, which includes the construction of unplanned barriers and roads that impede the movement of fish and the use of illegal nets that have decimated native fish species.

She stressed the importance of recognizing and supporting genuine fishermen, noting that many have been marginalized in favor of profit-driven exploiters. “The term ‘native fishermen’ reflects the injustices faced by those who truly depend on this profession.”

The adviser called for the modernization of fishing methods to ensure sustainability and dignity for those involved.

She suggested raising awareness of breeding bans through signage and media campaigns in haor areas, and recommended a temporary halt to tourism in these regions during the breeding season.

Participants in the workshop, including representatives from the fisheries sector in seven districts of Sylhet division, reiterated concerns over declining fish populations.

Many cited the excessive use of pesticides, haor leasing systems and unregulated fishing practices as significant contributors to the crisis.

Fishermen reported that many species of fish are now threatened, with some on the brink of extinction.

They called for initiatives such as dredging waterways, banning harmful nets and reducing the use of pesticides on arable land to improve breeding conditions.

Fishermen also sought government assistance during the limited fishing period, especially from Ashar to Jaistha months.

The northeastern haor region of Bangladesh spans 47 upazilas in seven districts: Sunamganj (95 haors), Sylhet (105), Habiganj (14), Moulvibazar (3), Netrakona (52), Kishoreganj (97) and Brahmanbaria (7 ).

Together, the region includes 373 haos, making it a critical area for the country’s fisheries sector.

Organized by the Sylhet Division Fisheries Office under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the workshop was chaired by Additional Secretary ATM Mustafa Kamal.

Speakers included Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Abu Ahmed Siddique NDC, Additional Secretary Syeda Nowara Jahan, District Commissioner, university faculty members and fisheries officials from various districts.