Large-sized carp and indigenous fish are now being caught regularly in the Bhodra River adjacent to the Baniakhali Fish Sanctuary in Sharafpur Union of Dumuria upazila, reflecting the positive impact of government-led fish conservation initiatives.
Local residents and fishermen say they are now reaping the benefits of the government's fish sanctuary programme and the regular release of fish fry, as the river has witnessed a remarkable revival in fish production after years of decline.
According to local sources, the once-mighty Bhodra River had gradually silted up over the years, turning into an almost dead water body with dwindling fish stocks.
The situation began to improve after the Department of Fisheries declared the Baniakhali area a fish sanctuary. Fishing has since been prohibited within the sanctuary, allowing fish to breed in a protected environment. As a result, fish populations have increased significantly in the surrounding open waters.
Local fishermen are now regularly catching large specimens of rui, catla, mrigal, aair and chital, along with several indigenous fish species.
Residents say the growing fish population is helping meet local nutritional needs while also improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Senior Fisheries Officer of Dumuria upazila, Sohel Md Zillur Rahman Regan, said the sanctuary is being monitored strictly.
"Regular release of fish fry and proper management of the sanctuary have resulted in a significant increase in carp and indigenous fish species in the river. The local administration and the Department of Fisheries are working jointly to protect brood fish and prevent the destruction of fish fry. Public awareness has also played a vital role in making the initiative successful," he said.
Khulna District Fisheries Officer Md Badruzzaman said the success of the Baniakhali Fish Sanctuary demonstrates that effective conservation and proper management can restore fish production even in rivers and water bodies that were once considered dead or stagnant.
"We are planning to expand fish sanctuaries and restore more natural water bodies across the district to protect indigenous fish species and ensure that local communities continue to benefit from these conservation efforts," he said.
Local residents Mannan Gazi and Rahima Begum said that only a few years ago the Bhodra River yielded very few fish. Since the establishment of the sanctuary, however, both the size and abundance of fish have increased steadily.
Environmentalists believe the Baniakhali Fish Sanctuary has not only boosted fish production but also played a vital role in conserving the biodiversity of the Bhodra River.
Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar described the Baniakhali Fish Sanctuary as a model initiative for protecting fisheries resources in the upazila.
"The upazila administration has been providing all-out support to the Department of Fisheries in protecting the river and the sanctuary. We are conducting regular mobile court drives to prevent illegal fishing during the banned period and will continue working with local representatives and residents to ensure the long-term sustainability of this initiative," she said.