The local administration has imposed a three-month ban on netting, marketing and transportation of fish in Kaptai Lake from April 20.
The decision was taken on Monday at the office of deputy commissioner to help breeding and rejuvenate fish stocks in the freshwater lake.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman presided over the meeting while Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Manager Commander Mohammad Ashrafur Alam Bhuiya along with fish traders, among others, were present at the meeting.
The ban was imposed from April 20 to July 19 to ensure natural breeding of carp fish, said Mizanur Rahman.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said: "The water level in Kaptai Lake in Rangamati has decreased due to insufficient rain last year. As a result, the ban was imposed on all types of fishing, marketing and transportation in Kaptai Lake about 10 days ago to protect the natural reproduction of fish.”
At this time of the season, the water level in Kaptai Lake is expected to be 86 MSL. Currently the water level is 76 MSL, the deputy commissioner added.
He also said: “Naval police will be deployed at various important places in Kaptai Lake to stop illegal fishing, transportation and marketing of fish besides operating mobile courts. Action will be taken against those will involve in illegal fishing in the lake."