Satkhira: Crab harvesting has resumed at Satkhira Range in the Sundarbans after a lapse of two months ban. Fishermen, who rely on crab fishing for their livelihood, entered the Sundarbans this morning after taking pass from the Forest Department. With the resumption of the crab fishing today, the concerned fishermen families of the coastal areas expressed relief while dynamism has also been infused in their livelihood.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, following the formulation of the crab export policy in 1998, the permit or pass for fishing crab remains suspended for two months every year. Some 2,900 boats have permission for entering the Sundarbans under the Burigoalini, Kadamtala, Koikhali, and Kobadak forest stations under Satkhira range. Of which some 1,600 boats are used for catching crab.
Forest Department officials stated that approximately 15,000 fishermen with legal passes or permits maintain their livelihood through fishing crab in the permitted rivers and canals. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of Satkhira Range at West Sundarbans Md Moshiur Rahman mentioned that crab fishing remained as ban for two months in different rivers and canals at the Sundarbans in a bid to enhance the breeding of the various crab species.
Following permission from the Forest Department, the fishermen from today are being able to catch crab at various rivers and canals except the entry restricted sanctuaries. Md Moshiur Rahman also informed that directives have already been given to strengthen the patrolling by the forest guards and other related operations so that none could be associated with any illegal activity after taking permission for fishing crab. Additionally, there is a ban on transportation of crab through engine boats and trawlers.