Phulbari:In the Shimulbari stream of Phulbari upazila in Kurigram, a gathering of people engaging in traditional 'polo' fishing created a festive atmosphere, reminiscent of the past for many elderly participants.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, individuals of all ages convened at the Shimulbari stream, where over fifty people, some traveling from distant areas, assembled to fish using 'polo' traps. The event, which took place on a Sunday afternoon, highlighted a jovial environment despite the challenges faced by declining fish populations.
The traditional fishing method, which involves using cone-shaped bamboo traps, attracted not only participants but also onlookers who enjoyed the nostalgic scene. However, some attendees noted the reduction in native fish populations in local streams, canals, and wetlands, which were once abundant with marine life.
Md Aminul Islam, a retired teacher, expressed concerns over the dwindling joy associated with 'polo' fishing due to the decreased availability of native fish. He emphasized that indiscriminate fishing with fine-meshed nets is disrupting the reproductive cycle of fish, further affecting their populations.
Participants like Abul Kalam and Habibur Rahman criticized the use of 'China duari' nets, which capture fish of all sizes, threatening the aquatic biodiversity. Elderly residents recalled the past joy of group fishing activities and stressed the need for protective measures to preserve indigenous fish species.
The local community called for effective oversight to restore native fish abundance in Shimulbari and other water bodies, aiming to revive the traditional fishing culture.