Natural fish production declining in Khulna region rivers

Natural fish production in the rivers of the greater Khulna region, comprising Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts, is steadily declining, raising concerns among fishermen, environmentalists and fisheries officials.
Experts attribute the downward trend to several factors, including climate change, increasing water pollution, excessive fishing, reduced river navigability and declining water levels. These changes are disrupting the natural breeding and growth cycles of fish in the region’s river systems.
The rivers and canals connected to the Sundarbans serve as the primary source of fish for the greater Khulna region. However, environmental changes and human activities are affecting the ecological balance of these waterways.
Conservator of Forests of the Sundarbans Khulna Circle Md Imran Ahmed said the mangrove forest contains around 450 rivers and canals. These water bodies are home to about 210 species of white fish, 24 species of shrimp, 13 types of crab, 43 varieties of mollusc and one species of lobster.
Among the notable species found in these waters are vetki, rupchanda, pangash, loitta, parshe, hilsa, poa and tapse, along with bagda and golda shrimp. Fish from the Sundarbans rivers naturally migrate into surrounding rivers in Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira.
Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries in Khulna Division Ranjit Kumar Pal said climate change is affecting food availability and oxygen levels in the rivers connected to the Sundarbans, making it difficult for fish to grow and reproduce. He warned that increasing environmental pressure is gradually reducing fish stocks.
He also noted that excessive fishing has reduced fish availability in many rivers compared with previous years. Illegal fishing practices by some fishermen are further worsening the situation.
“Some fishermen secretly use poison or fine-mesh nets to catch fish, which kills various aquatic species and destroys fish larvae,” he said.
The growing number of engine-powered boats in many rivers has also increased pollution levels, affecting fish breeding grounds. In addition, sedimentation has reduced river depth in several areas, further contributing to the decline in fish production.
The Khulna region is naturally saline, and in many areas embankments have been constructed to prevent saltwater from entering rivers so that farmers can cultivate rice and vegetables. Fisheries officials believe this shift from natural fish habitats to agricultural land has also contributed to declining fish production.
According to the regional office of the Department of Fisheries in Khulna, the region earned significant foreign currency from seafood exports during the 2024–25 fiscal year. Frozen bagda shrimp exports generated about $18.69 million, while golda shrimp exports earned around $208.22 million. Frozen white fish exports brought in approximately $894,000, while exports of eel and crab generated about $1.86 million.
However, officials warn that if natural fish production continues to decline, future export earnings from the region may also be affected.
Khulna District Fisheries Officer Md Badruzzaman said fishermen operate in around 20 rivers in the coastal district. Major rivers include the Pasur River, Shibsa River, Bhadra River, Rupsa River, Bhairab River and Kapotaksha River.
He added that the district has around 45,000 registered fishermen, of whom nearly 3,450 depend solely on catching hilsa for their livelihoods.
Local fishermen say illegal activities inside the Sundarbans are a major reason behind declining fish stocks. They alleged that some fishermen enter reserved forest areas and use poison to catch fish and crabs, killing not only adult fish but also larvae.
Abdus Salam Molla, a fisherman from Kalabogi village in Dakop upazila of Khulna district, expressed concern over the situation. He alleged that groups of influential fishermen operate under powerful syndicates and use destructive fishing methods inside the Sundarbans, which ultimately affects fish populations in surrounding rivers.
Deputy Director Ranjit Kumar Pal said stronger coordination between the Department of Fisheries and the Sundarbans forest authorities could help restore natural fish production in the region’s rivers. Efforts to curb illegal fishing and protect breeding grounds could also help revive fish stocks in the future.