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 restoring aquatic biodiversity. Once witnessing a steady decline in indigenous fish populations, canals in the district are now showing signs of ecological recovery. Thanks to improved breeding and conservation measures, species such as rui, catla, ayir, shol and boal are thriving in the protected sanctuaries. The positive impact is also spreading to nearby water bodies, increasing fish stocks and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local fishermen.
According to the Fisheries Department, the two sanctuaries were established during the 2024–25 fiscal year in canals located 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 for fish. The initiative is being implemented by the Office of the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer in Patuakhali Sadar.
Officials said the project initially released various native fish species into the sanctuaries. With regular monitoring and a secure natural habitat, the fish have grown significantly, with many now weighing between two and three-and-a-half kilograms. The mature fish are breeding naturally, and the fry are dispersing into surrounding canals, leading to a noticeable increase in indigenous fish populations.
Md. Dulal Hossain, responsible for maintaining the sanctuaries, told BSS that several protected shelters have been created within the designated areas where fish can breed and move freely. He added that alongside fish conservation, the project has focused on protecting the livelihoods of fishermen. Under a rehabilitation programme, 10 fishermen who refrained from fishing in the sanctuary areas were provided with a calf each as an alternative source of income. Within a short period, the animals have grown into valuable assets, helping improve household earnings.
Local residents say the sanctuaries have brought visible improvements to the canals, with native fish becoming more abundant than before. They believe the increased fish populations in surrounding water bodies will provide long-term benefits to fishing communities. Additional District Fisheries Officer Tapan Majumdar said the sanctuaries are not only protecting fish but also restoring aquatic ecosystems. Fisheries experts say sanctuary-based management is one of the most effective approaches to conserving biodiversity and promoting natural fish breeding in open water bodies. They believe that 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.
