The government is planning to establish new fish sanctuaries in its haor wetlands and change the system for leasing “jal mahals” to increase the breeding and production of native freshwater fish, the fisheries minister said on Saturday.

Mohammed Aminur Rashid told reporters that the government would dig deep pits and reservoirs to serve as safe breeding and conservation grounds, after an inspection of the venue for the National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj district.

“If we can protect fish eggs and fry, production will rise naturally,” the minister said.

He added that native fish abundance had declined due to the use of pesticides and chemical fertiliser, habitat destruction and the shrinking of natural shelters, adding that the sanctuary-based conservation system would be strengthened in response.

The minister noted that the government was working on legislation to replace the existing lease arrangements for “jal mahals” with a new system designed to protect the interests of local communities and ensure integrated management of agriculture and fisheries. The law is planned to be presented in parliament at a later stage, Rashid said.

Asked about microplastics in fish, the minister described the problem as global and said Bangladesh would act on the basis of international research. He noted that the environment ministry’s work on the issue was also important.

Rashid reiterated the government’s initiative to stop the use of “China duari” nets, which catch everything from juvenile fish to larger fish and various aquatic animals, damaging natural fish breeding and aquatic biodiversity. Administrative action, along with public cooperation, is needed to stop the use of such nets, he said.

Fishermen affected by fishing bans during the breeding season have been registered and are receiving food support, the minister added.

“We want the tradition of Bangladesh as a land of fish to return,” he said, adding that the government was working to restore native fish abundance in haors, rivers and wetlands.