Navy cracks down on illegal fishing in Bangladesh, seizing crores worth of nets and fish

The Bangladesh Navy is intensifying its efforts to protect the country‍‍`s fisheries with a special operation aimed at removing illegal fishing nets that are harming the marine ecosystem. 

This operation, known as Combing Operation, was launched on January 12, 2025, and is part of the government’s ongoing initiative to preserve the nation‍‍`s fisheries.

Under the Aid to Civil Power program, the Navy, along with law enforcement agencies, has been working to clear out illegal nets from coastal waters and river areas. 

These nets, especially those used in shallow waters under 10 meters deep, have been destroying fish stocks and disrupting the environment.

The operation, which is being carried out in four phases, is set to continue until February 28, 2025. 

It involves 11 Navy ships and many boats operating across various regions, including Chattogram, Cox‍‍`s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Khulna, Mongla, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Shariatpur, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Bhola.

The Navy’s efforts have already led to the seizure and destruction of large quantities of illegal fishing gear such as behundi nets, current nets, mosquito nets, and others. 

Alongside the operation, awareness campaigns are being carried out in nearby areas to educate people on the harmful effects of these illegal nets.

On February 9, 2025, the third phase of the operation began. Just two days later, the Navy conducted a significant raid in the outer anchorage of Chattogram. 

During the operation, a large amount of illegal fishing nets was recovered, and public awareness efforts were also carried out.

One major success of the operation came on February 10, 2025, when the Navy, in collaboration with local authorities, raided shops in Tazumuddin Upazila, Bhola District. 

The raid resulted in the confiscation of:

• 30,650 meters of cherghera nets
• 611,500 meters of current nets
• 3,400 meters of behundi nets
• 2.16 million meters of paisal nets

The total market value of these seized nets is around 20.93 million Bangladeshi Taka. 

In addition, other operations have led to the seizure of 778,650 meters of nets, 9 behundi nets, and illegal fish, valued at approximately 60.17 million Taka.

Up to now, the total value of all the illegal nets and fish seized in the Combing Operation has reached about 76.32 crore Taka. 

The authorities are taking legal action against those involved in these illegal activities.

The Bangladesh Navy, together with the police and other law enforcement agencies, is committed to continuing its efforts to protect the fisheries and marine life of the country. 

Fishermen are being urged to follow legal fishing practices, and strong actions will be taken against anyone found guilty of illegal fishing.

This ongoing operation highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s fisheries for future generations, ensuring sustainable fishing and protecting the livelihood of law-abiding fishermen.