Local youth Shariful from the Pechar Dwip area, adjacent to the Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar, earns his livelihood by catching fish in hill streams and natural wetlands.
Every day, from dawn until evening, he ventures into streams, canals, and small water bodies carrying nets and traps in search of fish.
Shariful stated that the hill streams and wetlands in the area still harbour various indigenous fish species. Alongside freshwater prawns, he catches local fish varieties, including koi, tengra, and several other small native species that support his family financially.
“I have been fishing since childhood. These hill streams still harbour some native fish species. Whatever I catch each day, I sell in the market to support my family,” he said.
“However, compared with the past, fish resources have declined significantly,” he added.
Local residents said the natural wetlands and hill streams of the Pechar Dwip area remain rich in biodiversity.
According to them, the fish harvested from these water bodies help meet local demand and serve as an important source of livelihood for many low-income families in the area.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
