The district administration has warned of action against farms here breeding the banned African Catfish.
Clarius Gariepinus, known as African Catfish, is banned under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act for its tendency to destroy its immediate habitat and native fish species. The African Catfish is predatory in nature and feeds rapidly on native species in the water body. It is known to proliferate in the absence of natural predators.
Over the time, farms have clandestinely cultured the fish for its high fertility.
The fish cultured in inland farmponds may get washed away into rivers and rivulets posing a severe treat to the native species in the rivers. Besides its nature to breed faster, African Catfish also has a life span of up to 8 years that adds to the environment threat posed by the species on its natural habitat.
Therefore farms that had cultured African Catfish had been directed to destroy their culture. Action would be initiated against farms that violate the ban, an administration release said. Farms are advised to contact chief project officer of Aquaculture Development Board here for details on inland fishing and subsidies available.
