The Bangladesh Navy, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, has launched an operation titled 'In Aid to Civil Power' to protect fisheries along the coastlines and inland waters, according to an ISPR statement released on Tuesday.
The statement mentioned that the Navy commenced the "combing operation" in four phases as per government directives, deploying 11 naval ships and a large number of boats since January 12.
The third phase of the operation began on Sunday.
The special operation is being conducted in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Khulna, Mongla, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Shariatpur, Barisal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Bhola, covering both coastal and adjacent inland waters.
The campaign places particular emphasis on removing fishing nets that harm fisheries in shallow waters less than 10 metres deep.
According to the statement, naval troops have seized and destroyed a significant quantity of illegal fishing nets, including gillnets, current nets, mosquito nets, and tong nets.
Moreover, the Navy is leading a public awareness campaign to discourage the use of all illegal nets.
As part of the third phase, which began on Sunday, naval ships and boats have conducted operations in the outer anchorage and surrounding areas of Chittagong.
A special team comprising members of the Bangladesh Navy, representatives from the district administration, and officials from the Department of Fisheries is participating in the operation.
During an operation in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola district, authorities seized over 3 million metres of illegal gillnets, 611,000 metres of current nets, 3,400 metres of behundi nets, and 2.16 million metres of pail nets from six shops.
The estimated market value of these nets is Tk2.9 lakh.
Additionally, 7,78,650 metres of illegal nets and unlawfully captured fish were recovered in various areas during the operation.
The statement further mentioned that in the third phase alone, illegal nets and fish worth approximately Tk21,62,670 were seized as of Monday.
Since the operation began, the total value of confiscated items has reached Tk76,32,51,00.
Necessary legal actions are being taken against those involved in illegal fishing activities.
