by Enamul Haque Ena

PATUAKHALI, Sept 18, 2025 (BSS) - Native fish species are at risk of disappearing from rivers, canals, and other waterbodies in the district due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.

Experts said farmers in Rangabali, Galachipa, and Bauphal upazilas use chemical fertilizers and pesticides indiscriminately to increase crop yields. During the monsoon, these toxic substances mix with rainwater and flow into rivers, canals, and ponds, severely affecting aquatic biodiversity.

"The habitat and breeding grounds of fish are being destroyed, and their life cycles disrupted due to chemicals in croplands," specialists said. As a result, various local fish species, including putti, koi, shing, magur, taki, chingri, baim, beda, gajar, bele, and others, are now disappearing.

Rivers surround Rangabali, Galachipa, and Bauphal upazilas, but native fish are no longer seen as abundantly as before.

Abdul Karim, 50, a fisherman from Chalitabunia Union of Rangabali, said, "Once, canals, beels, and rivers were full of fish. Now native fish are hardly found, and many species have disappeared."

Keramat Ali, 55, a fisherman from Kanakdia Union in Bauphal, said, "Earlier, our nets were full of fish. Now, they are empty. If steps are not taken to protect native fish species, they may disappear entirely."

Native fish have long been an integral part of the livelihoods, food habits, and culture of people in Rangabali, Galachipa, and Bauphal. Locals urged urgent action to protect the environment and conserve these indigenous species.

Kamruzzaman Bachchu, 53, former president of Bauphal Press Club, said local fish species are closely linked to coastal traditions, and everyone must come forward to protect them.

"If awareness is not raised immediately, organic farming is not promoted, and sustainable agricultural policies are not adopted, native fish will disappear in the near future," he warned.

Rangabali Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Shahadat Hossain said native fish species are becoming extinct due to indiscriminate use of chemicals and pesticides in croplands.

"There will come a time when these fish are no longer seen. The Fisheries Department is providing guidance and support to save these species," he added.

Rangabali Upazila Agriculture Officer Asaduzzaman said chemicals are applied in the hope of higher production, but they harm native fish.

"We advise farmers to plant tree branches in croplands, set light traps at night, and grind neem leaves and mahogany fruits to reduce pesticide use," he said.

Bauphal Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Milon said chemical fertilizers can be reduced by using more organic fertilizers, which can maintain yields while minimizing harmful effects. "Farmers are gradually moving toward organic methods," he added.

Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Aminul Islam said multiple factors contribute to the decline of native fish, including excessive chemical use, water shortage, lack of fish sanctuaries, closure of channels, and indiscriminate fishing with illegal nets.

"We are conducting campaigns against illegal and Chinese nets, monitoring leased waterbodies, and implementing the Fisheries Act to increase natural fish production. The upazila administration is also working to revive extinct fish species," he added.