Performance Evaluation of Sariakandi FISH PASS IN Bangladesh

           Fisheries sector playing a key role in the development of agrobased economy of Bangladesh is very important and promising. They contribute around 3.74% to national income, which also is 22.23% of the total agricultural income. About 65% of animal protein in our diet comes from fisheries sector (BBS 2009-10).  Two of the major economic activities of Bangladesh, agriculture and fisheries largely depend on these floodplains. The gradual degradation of the environment due to human interventions is adding father complexities to water management. In Bangladesh, most of the hydraulic structures have been constructed without considering the physiology, ecology and migratory behavior of different aquatic species. As a result, the benefit from these hydraulic structures did not meet the desired goal.  

FCD/FCDI projects mainly serve the agricultural interests, but it interfere fish migration. Fish passes are constructed to allow normal breeding migration and to ensure natural route of fish movement. The concept of Fish Pass is relatively new in Bangladesh. At present, two Fish passes and two fish friendly structures are constructed. These are Fish Pass in Jamuna to Bangali River at Sariakandi in Bogra, fish Pass in Kawadighi Haor of Monu river in Moulovibazar, fish friendly structure in Lohajong river of Tangail and fish friendly structure at Morichardanra in Chapainawabganj.

Fish fry and hatching movement from Jamuna to Bangali river was the main objective of Sariakandi fish pass project.  The study also found that there were 15 migratory species in the project area and the fish pass is contributing positively for growth of fishery resources in then study area. During the monsoon carp fish is the dominating migratory species. Carpfish migrates in a higher velocity, whereas, catfish migrates in a lower velocity. Some problems were found in the operation and management of fish pass.