Native fish making strong comeback in Patuakhali sanctuaries
Native fish species are making a strong comeback in two fish sanctuaries established in Patuakhali Sadar upazila, offering renewed hope for local fishing communities while helping restore aquatic biodiversity.
Once marked by a steady decline in indigenous fish populations, canals in the district are now showing signs of ecological recovery. Improved breeding conditions and conservation efforts have led to a resurgence of species such as rui, catla, ayir, shol and boal in the protected sanctuaries.
The benefits are also extending to nearby water bodies, boosting fish stocks and creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities for local fishermen.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the two sanctuaries were established during the 2024–25 fiscal year in canals in Badarpur and Moukaran unions under the government's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project, financed by the World Bank Group.
The project covers around 20 hectares of water bodies, of which two hectares have been designated as protected breeding and conservation zones. It is being implemented by the Office of the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer in Patuakhali Sadar.
Officials said various native fish species were initially released into the sanctuaries. Regular monitoring and the provision of a secure natural habitat have enabled the fish to grow significantly, with many now weighing between two and three-and-a-half kilograms. The mature fish are breeding naturally, while the fry are dispersing into surrounding canals, resulting in a noticeable increase in indigenous fish populations.
Md Dulal Hossain, who oversees the sanctuaries, told BSS that several protected shelters had been created within the designated areas, allowing fish to breed and move freely.
"Thanks to the cooperation of local residents, no one enters the sanctuaries illegally to catch fish. This has ensured the success of the conservation effort," he said.
He added that the project has also focused on protecting the livelihoods of fishermen. Under a rehabilitation programme, 10 fishermen who agreed not to fish in the sanctuary areas were each provided with a calf as an alternative source of income. Within a short period, the animals have become valuable assets, helping to increase household earnings.
Beneficiary Md Faruk Hawlader said fishing had once been his family's main source of income, but he is now actively involved in protecting the sanctuary.
"The cow provided by the government has increased my family's income. In this way, fish are being conserved while our livelihoods are sustained," he said.
Local residents said the sanctuaries have brought visible improvements to the canals, with native fish now more abundant than before. They believe the increase in fish populations in surrounding water bodies will provide long-term benefits for fishing communities.
Additional District Fisheries Officer Tapan Majumdar said the sanctuaries are not only protecting fish but also helping restore aquatic ecosystems.
"Providing a safe environment for breeding increases fish populations, which later spread naturally to wider water bodies. This strengthens local fish resources while creating opportunities to improve fishermen's incomes," he said.
He added that expanding similar initiatives across the district would help conserve endangered native fish species and significantly strengthen sustainable fisheries management.
Fisheries experts said sanctuary-based management is one of the most effective approaches to conserving biodiversity and promoting the natural breeding of fish in open water bodies. They added that providing alternative livelihood opportunities reduces pressure on natural resources, supporting both environmental conservation and socio-economic development.
Local residents believe replicating the Patuakhali model in other parts of the country could help restore many disappearing native fish species while strengthening sustainable fisheries management and the rural economy.