Khulna: The Forest Department has announced a two-month ban on crab catching in the Sundarbans, effective from January 1 to February 28, to facilitate the natural breeding of crabs during their peak spawning season. This decision aims to protect the species and ensure their uninterrupted breeding in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans during January and February, which are considered critical months for crab reproduction.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Forest Department has suspended the issuance of permits for crab catching for 59 days to safeguard this aquatic resource. Imran Ahmed, the Khulna Circle Conservator of Forests, emphasized that the initiative is crucial for protecting crabs during their breeding period. He highlighted the vulnerability of crabs during this time, noting the ecosystem disruption that could occur if crabs are caught during their breeding season. Ahmed also confirmed that fishermen who were deep inside the forest have returned to local areas due to the halt in permit issuance.
Residents near the Sundarbans have alleged that certain syndicates continue to catch crabs during the breeding season, employing various tactics to bypass the ban. They claim that these groups operate illegally with the support of some dishonest forest guards and officials, causing financial hardship for ordinary fishermen. Environmentalists express concern that such illegal practices threaten both crab reproduction and the aquatic biodiversity of the Sundarbans. They also point out the economic significance of the Sundarbans, cautioning against ecological destruction for economic gain. Corruption among some forest officials and guards has been highlighted as a contributing factor.
Member Secretary of Khulna Civil Society, Advocate Babul Howlader, stressed that protecting crabs during the breeding season is essential to prevent a decline in their population, which could have long-term negative impacts on the biodiversity of the Sundarbans and affect the export potential of this valuable natural resource. According to Forest Department data, the Bangladesh portion of the Sundarbans covers 6,017 square kilometers, with 31.15 percent of this area being water bodies that host various aquatic species, including 14 species of crabs.
The ban on crab catching is crucial for the livelihoods of residents in Sundarbans-influenced upazilas like Koyra and Dakop, where people rely heavily on forest resources such as fishing, crab catching, golpata collection, and honey harvesting. Despite the ban, several fishermen have reported that the profitability of crab trading motivates some to continue catching crabs during the breeding season. These crabs are transported to local markets in Koyra and Dakop upazilas.
West Sundarbans Divisional Forest Officer A Z M Hasanur Rahman explained that crabs lay eggs during January and February, making them vulnerable to capture. He emphasized that stopping hunting during this period would lead to higher crab production in the following year. Rahman stated that patrols have been intensified, and legal action will be taken against those violating the ban. He also highlighted the ecological importance of crabs in maintaining the Sundarbans' food chain and urged local communities to comply with the ban.
Forest Department sources revealed that permits are usually issued for around 12,000 boats to extract resources from the Sundarbans, with one-third allocated for crab catching. While crab catching is banned during the breeding season, other fishing activities are permitted to continue.