Assam: Fishery department launches major crackdown on illegal fishing in Brahmaputra

In a major enforcement drive aimed at protecting aquatic biodiversity during the breeding season, the Fishery Department conducted a large-scale operation against illegal fishing activities in the Brahmaputra River under Kamrup district on Thursday, June 4.

The operation was carried out from Acholpara Zero Point in the Goroimari Development Block under the direction of Kamrup District Fishery Development Officer Dr. Sanjay Sharma. The drive targeted the illegal capture of brood and spawn fish, despite the seasonal fishing ban imposed under the Fishery Act from April 1 to July 15.

According to officials, the department launched the operation in response to public complaints regarding continued violations of the ban by fishermen engaged in indiscriminate fishing practices that threaten fish breeding and the river’s ecological balance.

Conducted with the assistance of Goroimari Police, the raid resulted in the seizure of a large number of fishing nets and 105 fish traps that had been deployed across stretches of the Brahmaputra. Officials stated that the illegal gear posed a significant threat to aquatic life and fish populations during the critical breeding period.

During the operation, the enforcement team recovered several species of fish from the seized nets and released them back into the river. Mechanized boats were used to access and monitor affected areas along the river channel.

The drive was supported by Kamrup District Assistant Fishery Officer Rajen Das, Fishery Demonstrator Himanshu Baruah, Fishery Mitra Pradip Kumar Nath, Fishery Mitra Abdus Sattar, and several local residents who assisted the department in carrying out the operation.

Officials reiterated the department’s commitment to safeguarding fish resources and maintaining ecological sustainability in the Brahmaputra. The department also warned that similar enforcement drives would continue across riverine areas to prevent illegal fishing and ensure compliance with the seasonal ban during the breeding season.