2-month ban on crab harvesting begins in Sundarbans Satkhira Range
According to Forest Department data, 14 species of crabs are found in the aquatic areas of the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans.
A two-month ban on crab harvesting in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans Satkhira Range came into effect today, as the crab breeding season has begun.
The restriction will remain in force until 28 February.
Due to the ban, fishermen have started returning to localities from the deep forest areas. However, the Forest Department said fishing activities will be allowed to continue during this period.
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Burigoalini Forest Station Officer (SO) Md Ziaur Rahman said the government has imposed a two-month ban on crab harvesting to enhance crab breeding in the rivers of the Sundarbans.
Mentioning the various species of crabs found in the rivers under the Sundarbans Satkhira Range, he said that in this breeding period crabs migrate in large numbers from the sea into the rivers to lay eggs.
Forest patrols have been intensified to ensure uninterrupted breeding of crabs, he added.
According to Forest Department data, 14 species of crabs are found in the aquatic areas of the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans.
Numerous crab-catching boats returning to local areas were seen along the banks of the Chunkuri River in Munshiganj of Shyamnagar upazila.
Crab fisherman Nur Hossain of Harinagar village said they could not catch many crabs this season due to fear of forest pirates.
As a result, he said he does not have enough savings to support his family during the ban period and will have to depend on loans from moneylenders.
He sought government assistance during this time.
Sources at the Shyamnagar Upazila Fisheries Office said the number of registered fishermen in the upazila is 22,220, nearly half of whom are crab fishermen.
Md Fazlul Haque, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of the Sundarbans Satkhira Range, said crabs are one of the key earners of foreign currency. He said all preparations have been completed by the Forest Department to enhance crab breeding.
Fishermen have been strictly instructed not to harvest crabs during the breeding season, he said, adding that at the same time, all passes and permits for crab harvesting have been suspended during the ban period.
However, he added that fishing activities will continue as usual during this time.
