Fishing by dynamite, electric shock imperils aquatic life

Officials say shortage of conservators contributory factor

PESHAWAR: As temperatures plummet and water levels in rivers and streams decline, unregulated and unlicensed fishing continues unabated and is taking a heavy toll on aquatic life.

“The easiest way to get a decent catch is to contaminate the upper reaches of rivers and catch fish from around two kilometres downstream,” said fisherman Muhammad Jan on the bank of Kabul River near Sardaryab, Charsadda.

The fishermen use brutal methods, like adding pesticides to water, using electric currents to stun the fish and blowing dynamite. These methods not only kill fish but also affect thousands of other species in the rivers. The harshest way to ‘catch’ fish is by use of pesticides – easily available in the market and they kill other aquatic life as well on a large scale.

An official, requesting anonymity, told The Express Tribune, several species of fish have become endangered in our dams and rivers due to illegal fishing, and there is little or no check on this practice. “Unlicensed fishing, done using brutal methods, has caused an imbalance in the aquatic equilibrium.”

Staff shortage

Apart from keeping a watch on illegal hunting, the conservators are supposed to promote fish farming, issue licences to generate revenue and manage small dams. The official complained of a shortage of conservators to keep check on the use of illegal methods to catch fish. The fisheries department in the provincial capital has seven fish conservators to check three rivers, including Kabul River, its tributary Naguman River and Jindi River.

The conservators lack facilities as they do not have any offices, phone lines and vehicles to access both sides of the rivers. “They have no authority to arrest or fine anyone on the spot but can only issue a challan and confiscate the net or generator,” he said.

The official added a five-kilogramme fish gives half a million eggs per season so using dynamite, poison and electric current not only kills the fish but also destroys the eggs. And this is why sher mahi, found in Kabul River, has become one of the endangered species, he said.

There are separate licences for fishing with a hook and net. “A licence for fishing with a hook costs only Rs100 while the permit for fishing with a net costs Rs500.” He said fishing in June, July and August is not allowed as that is the breeding season; licences are suspended in that period.

With impunity

People were issued challans for illegal fishing under sections 6 and 7 of Fisheries Ordinance 1961, for killing fish using explosives and poison, and Fisheries Rules 1976. Cases were also submitted in courts but the lawbreakers were released upon payment of a paltry fine. Under both sections, the punishment is six months imprisonment and Rs5,000 fine but no one faced these consequences.

When contacted, Fisheries Assistant Director Hidayat Shah said around 60 persons have been fined and arrested for illegal fishing and their generators (used to create currents) confiscated so far this year.

“Cases have been registered against them and have been submitted in court,” he said. Shah added fish conservators were performing an extraordinary job in the face of all odds.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Fisheries and Livestock Mohibullah Khan said he is aware of the conditions river life is subjected to. “Efforts to enact strict legislation to protect it are under way.” Mohibullah said the number of fish conservators would also be increased, urging the court to award imprisonment as mentioned in the ordinance to curb illegal fishing.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2015.