Move to check sale, culture of two fish species

SALE, CAPTIVITY and culture of two foreign species of fish ? Thai Mangur (Clarias gariepinus) and Big Head (Aristichthys nobilis) have become a serious threat to the indigenous species of fish here. These species can also pose hazards for human health.

SALE, CAPTIVITY and culture of two foreign species of fish — Thai Mangur (Clarias gariepinus) and Big Head (Aristichthys nobilis) have become a serious threat to the indigenous species of fish here. These species can also pose hazards for human health.

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Keeping this in view, the fishery department conducted raids at different places in the city on Wednesday to check the sale and culture of these species. The department seized about 1.40 quintal Thai Mangur. Later, the department destroyed the fish.

Chief executive officer of Fishery Department Arvind Mishra said the fishery department would continue raids in different fish markets and other places to check consumption of these dangerous species of fish. “These foreign species are carriers of germs which may cause danger to human health”, he said, adding “these fish were not only dangerous to human health but were destructive in nature and pose a serious threat to the indigenous species of fish as well.”

He said the district administration had imposed prohibitory order under section 144 from December 5 to check the possible spread of disease through these species of fish. Section 144 was imposed for two months and would be extended as per the situation, he said adding.

To recall, the UP government had already imposed on ban on the sale, captivity and culture of these foreign species.

Mishra said breeding, culture, sale and captivity of these dangerous species of fish was strictly prohibited.

He further added that Big Head is mainly a China-based species whereas Thai Mangur was a Africa-based species.