~URMAN ] · WlLIMOVS.KY

GOVERNMENT OF EAST PAKISTAN

Directorate of Fisheries

Fishing Gear of East Pakistan

By

Nazir Ahmed M.Sc. (Hons.) Ph. D.,

D. Sc., F. L. S., F. Z. S., F. Z. S. 1., F. A. Z.

Director of Fisheries, East Pakistan

Deputy Secretary, Home (0. & M.) Deptt. lncharge, East Pakistan Government Press, Dacca.

1961.

FISHING-GEAR OF EAST PAKISTAN By

Nazir Ahmed, M.Sc. tHons.), Ph. D., D.Sc., F. L. S., F.Z.S., F.Z.S.I., F.A.~. Director of Fisheries, East Pakistan.

A short description of 30 Gill nets, 30 Seine nets, 11 Drag nets, 6 Trawl nets, 6 Clap nets, 5 Fixed Purse nets, 9 Stake nets, 16 Dip nets and 3 Cast nets n~ed in dHferent districts of the province is given. The names of fish caught by different nets are stated. In addition to nets, 26 traps, 8 spears and harpoons and some other fishing implements are brieOy described, with illustrations.

FISHERY resources of East Pakistan can be judged from the fact that it pos­sesses 20 ,193,450 acres of paddy fields, more than 2 lakhs of tanks, a good number of bheels, numerous small river and khals, three main rivers, extensive estuarine area and a part of the Bay of Bengal. Thus all the important fish­habitats are met with in this province. Naturally in an area like this the fishes also differ in their mode of living and special methods are designed to catch them, viz., netting, trapping, spearing, angling, etc. The nets, broadly speaking, can be divided into 9 categories. Each category varies in details from place to place even in the same district. Also, the same type of net bears different names, and sometimes there are numerous names for one and the same net in different districts.

Some nets are specially meant for catching particular species of fish (e.g., Atan and Phansh for Bhetki; Kona, Shangly, Kharke and Chandi for Hilsa), while others are used for netting any type of fish that comes in the way. The choice of nets also depends upon the area of operation: for example, most of the tanks can easily be dragged, while in estuarine water areas seine nets replace the drag nets. During the rainy season when the current in rivers is very strong seine nets are out of commission and drift nets are found to be quite effective.

Most of the nets of East Pakistan are made of cotton yarn but sunn-ht"mp (Crotalaria juncea) is also used in their preparation. The common tanning materials are fruit of gab (Diospyros embryopteris), bark of Go ran ( Ceriops roxburghiana), and coal-tar.

The number of nets used for fishing is indeed very large but a brief descrip­tion of 116 nets is given below. As the dinerence is of minor details the present list will give a fairly good idea of the common varieties of nets.

In addition to nets, 26 traps have been collected and_ briefly described below. These are mostly used in shallow and derelict waters, where the nets c~nnot be operated. Some of the common spears, harpoons, etc., have also been dealt with in the present paper. ·

A. FISHING NETS I. Drift or Gill Nets.

These are rectangular nets employed as walls for enmeshing fish by gills. The meshes of the nets vary with the types and size of the fish to be caught. To the head ropes are attached floats while the ground ropes may or may not have any sinkers fastened to them. The floats and sinkers are so adjusted that the nets can remain in vertical position at any desired depth.

The nets drift with the current, and ascending and descending fish trying to force their way through the nets are caught and secured by their gills. These nets are usually used when the rivers are in flood.

2

(1) Ainapatta Jal.-This net is used from November to May bhol fish, Serranus lanceolatus from the foreshore of Bakarganj. long, 18 feet deep and has meshes from 7 to 10 inches. The net is at the bottom. It is also known as Bhol Jal.

for catching It is 750 feet not weighed

(2) Apsha Jal.-The net has got weights attached to its lower rope. In Bakarganj it measures 900 feet in length, 20 feet in width~ with 1 inch mesh, and is used from November to March for entangling Hilsa (Hi/sa ilisha), Pangas (Pangasius pangasius), Silond (Silonia silondia), Poa . (Sciaenoides pama), Gagra (Arius gagora), Koral o r Bhetki (Lates Calcarifer) and some others. This net is also used in Faridpur.

(3) Bachon Jal.-This net is used for catchlng Bacha fish, Eutropiichthys vacha in the district of Rajshahi. It measures 150 feet by 9 feet and has meshes from 1 to It inches. The net is not tanned. To its head and ground ropes are attached floats and weights respectively. This is also known by the name of Nagon Jal.

(4) Bag-Air Mara Jal.-The net has both floats and weights attached to its ropes. It measures 300 feet by 25 feet with 5 inches mesh in Pabna, 300 feet by 4t feet with 8 inches mesh in Rajshahi. 150 feet by 15 feet with 9 to 12 inches mesh in Bog:a, 600 feet by 3 feet with 1 inch mesh in Bakarganj, 50 feet by 15 feet with 2 inches mesh in Dacca and 15 to 20 feet by 9 feet with t inch mesh in Khulna. Fishes like Air (Mystus aor), Boal ( Wallago attu) and Pangas are enmeshed in this net. It is used throughout the year in one district or the other.

One end of the head rope is tied to a buoy while the other end is held by fisherman sitting in the boat. The net and boat drift with the current.

(5) Barain Jal.-This net is employed in the district of Chittagong in September and October for capturing Hilsa. It is 31 feet long, 28 feet deep and has mesh of 1 t inches.

(6) Batta Jal.-The net is used in the foreshore of Noakhali, Chittagong and Khulna for gilling Bata fish, Mugi/ corsula. At Chittagong it measures 20 feet by 3t feet with mesh of 1 inch, in Khulna 30 feet by 4! feet with mesh of t inch, while in Noakhali its dimensions are 100 feet by 2 feet with t inch mesh. The time of use of the net in these districts also varies. It has both floats and weights attached to its ropes.

(7) Baur Jal.-Unlike most other nets this net is made of sunn-hemp. It has no weights attached to its bottom rope. This net is in use in the districts of Noakhali and Cbittagong. The net n1easures 132 feet by 7t feet and has 6 inches mesh. It is used for gilling bhetki from June to November. Another name for Baur Jal is Karal Pai Jal.

(8) Chandi Jal.-The net (Fig. 1) has both sinkers and floats. The measurement of this net differs widely from district to district and so does the period of operation of the net. A number of pieces (each 33 to 36 feet with varying depths) are joined together at the time of use to make a net up to 2,000 feet in length. The meshes usually vary from It to 2 inches.

Fig. 1. Chandi J al.

3

The net is used in the same way as the Bag-air-mara jal and is employed for gilling Hilsa in the districts of Chittagong, Noakhali, Bakarganj, Pabna, Dacea, Tippera and Faridpur, major carps in the district of Jessore, and carps, Air (Mystus aor) and Silond, in the district of Mymensingh. The net is laid at night and hauled in the morning. For gilling hilsa the net is used from May to October.

(9) Chapila Jal.-The net measures 500 feet by 90 feet, with 1 to 1 inch mesh in the district of Mymensingh and is used throughout the year for catching Chapila (Gadusia chapra), Bhangon (Mugil sp.), Pangas and Hilsa. In Pabna the net is e1.t1ployed for gilling Bacha and Chapila during November and Decem­ber. The measurement ofthe net here is 200 feet by 20 feet with t inch mesh. In K.hulna it measur~s 150 feet by 12 feet with -!inch mesh, in Dacca 100 to 200 feet by 15 feet with 1 inch mesh and in Noakhali 100 feet by 4 feet with 1 inch tnesh. Usually the net is used for catching Chapila, but in Bogra, Punti (Barbus sp.), Tengra (Mystus sp.) and Pabda (Callichrous sp.) are also cap­tured by this net. The net is also known as Khaira in Bogra and Pabna, and Kapai in Noakhali.

The Chapila net of Bakarganj is made up of a number of pieces and its total length is 200 feet by 30 feet. It is used for capture of Chapila from March to ApriJ.

(10) Chatka Jal.-The net varies in dimensions in different districts as is the case with other nets. It measures from 21 to 50 feet in length, 3 to 15 feet in depth and with meshes from 2 to 3 inches. A number of pieces are joined together to make a big net up to 600 feet or so. The net thus formed is payed from 4 boats. Some boats drag the net against the current while others are used for producing sound in the water and thus driving the fish into the net. As soon as the two groups of boats come close to each other the ground rope is hauled up and the gilled fish removed. The net is used in big rivers like the Ganges,. Brahmaputra, Meghna, etc., for capturing Pangas. In Pabna this net is used for catching Rui (Labeon rohita) and Catla (Catla cat/a). In Dacca this net is khown by the name of Pangas jal and it is employed for capturing Pangas as well as major carps. The net is used in one district or the other throughout the year.

(11) Dar Jal.-The net measures from 18 to 30 feet in length, 15 to 27 feet in depth and has meshes from It to 2 inches. It is used in the distrjct of Tippera from April to November for catching Hilsa.

(12) Dashan Jal.-This net is used in the districts of Dacca, Mymensingb Rangpur, Pabna, Rajshahi and Bogra. It measures from 300 to 1,500 feet i~ length, 8 to 48 feet in breadth with meshes from 3 to 8 inches. It is used in different month~ of the year in diff~rent districts for capturing major carps, Air, Pangas, etc. It 1s made of sun-hemp.

(13) Dara Jal.-This net is used for capturing Hilsa in the districts of Dacca, Tippera, Bakarganj, Khulna, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Faridpur. In Pabna the net is used for capturing all types of fishes, in Jessore for gilling Chapila and Tengra while in Khulna besides Hilsa it is used for Pangas and Gagra.

This net goes by the name of Illish Jal in the districts of Khulna and Bogra. It measures from 150 to 1,500 feet in length, 14 to 27 feet in depth, with 2 to 3 inches mesh. In the districts of Pabna and Jessore the net measures from 6 to 8 feet in length, 6 to 10 feet in depth and with! to 2 inches mesh.

4

(14) Era Jal.-This net is u sed in the district of Bakarganj. It is made of sunn· hemp. It measures up to 2 , 700 feet in length, 40 feet in depth, with meshes from 3! to 5 inches. It is employed for catching Hilsa from May to November.

(15) Feripatra Jal.-Dimensions vary greatly but usually are 24 by 9 feet. Its meshes are from 5 to 7 inches and it is used in the estuaries of Bakarganj. A large number of pieces are joined together for operation .

(16) Galfa Jal.-This net is made of sunn-hemp and is employed for catch­ing Ghonia (Labea gonius), and some other fish. Galfa is used only in Sylhet and is also called Veljal. Its dimensions are 15 feet by 10! feet with 1 to 3 inches mesh.

(17) Garan Jal.-A large number of small nets are joined together to form a big net 900 feet by 30 feet. Its mesh is ! inch. This net is used in the district of Bakarganj from October to March for catching all species of fish.

(18) Ghana Jal.-This net is used in the districts of Rangpur and Bogra throughout the year for catching small-sized fish. It measures from 130 to 300 feet in length, 3 to 18 feet in width, with meshes from t to 1 inch.

(19) Har Jal.-The Har Jal of Pabna is 40 feet long, 10 feet deep and possesses a mesh of t inch. It is used for capturing Chapila, Corsula, etc., throughout the year. In the district of Bakarganj a number of pieces are joined to form a net 2,000 feet long and 80 feet deep. The meshes of nets are 2 inches. It is used for catching Hilsa, Silond, Pangas, etc., from June to November.

(20) Jamula Jal.-This net is used in the district of Bakarganj from October to May for capturing carps. It is 1,500 feet long, 50 feet deep and has a mesh of 2! inches. It possesses a pocket at the lower edge.

(21) Kata Jal.-This is made of sunn-hemp. It is used in Bakarganj, Khulna, Noakhali, Dacca and Mymensingh. Mostly it is used for gilling Bhetki but sometimes Catla also. It measures from 36 to 50 feet in length, and 4 to 20 feet in depth. Its meshes are 4 to 6 inches. A number of pieces are joined together to form a net up to 1,400 feet in length. This net is also known as Karal Jal and Tana Jal. It has no sinkers.

(22) .Kheta Jal.-The net is used in district of Pabna from June to Novem­ber for catchii.tg all species of fish. It measures from 250 to 300 feet in length and 20 to 25 feet in depth. The size of mesh varies with the fish to be caught.

(23) Khot Jal.-This net is 50 feet by 15 feet with 2 inches mesh and is used in the district of Bakarganj from June to November for capturing Hilsa.

(14) . Ko_i Jal.--This net is used !n the districts of Rangpur~ Pabna, Rajshahi:J Bogra, DtnaJpur, Jessore, Mymenstngh, Dacca and Noakhali for capturing Koi fish (Anabas testudineus).

A number of pieces are joined together and placed between two paddy-fields at night after rains, or with the net is surrounded some low lying area. The fish in attempting to move to other areas are caught by gills. The measurement of one pece is 30 to 45 feet by 2 to 7 feet, and its meshes are from ! to 2 inches. -

(25) Phansh Jal.-This net is used in the district of Khulna from November to June for capturing Bhetki in the estuaries of the foreshore. It measures 50 feet by 9 feet and possesses meshes from 8 to 11 inches. A large number of pieces are jojned together to make long nets. -

5

(26) Poa Jal.-The net is 200 feet long, 12 to 15 feet deep and possesses mesh of 1! inches. It is used in the district of Dacca for capturing Po a, Phansa (Engraulis sp.) Silond, Pangas, etc. A number of nets are joined together and are payed by boats. Two boats drag the net against the current while others move with the current driving fishes towards the net by producing sound in water. When the two groups of boats come near each other? the net is hauled and fish collected.

The Poa Jal of Noakhali has pockets at the lower end.

(27) Pye Jal.-In Pabpa the net is used for catching Rui and Catla from May to June. l t measures 300 feet by 16 feet with 3 inches mesh. In Bakar­ganj, on the other hand, the measurerr ent is 900 feet by 20 feet with 1 inch mesh. The net is used here throughout the year for captunng Poa, Pangas, Silond, Hilsa, Chapila, Koral, etc.

(28) Sada Jal. The net is 20 feet by 15 feet, with 1 inch mesh. It is used for collecting prawns in the district of Dacca and miscellaneous fishes in the district of Tippera.

(29) Singhi Jal.-The net measures from 50 feet to 75 feet in length, 2 feet in depth and with meshes of 1 to It inches. It is used in Mymensingh from May to June and November to December for capturing tengra, and Shinghi (Heteropneustes .fossilis).

(30) Tuni Jal.-This net is used in the district of Tippera for catching Hilsa during the months from April to June. It is 45 feet by 22 feet and bas a mesh of 2 inches.

ll. Seine Nets These are rectangular nets with floats attached at suitable intervals to their

head ropes. The floats ate of bamboo, sola or wood. The ground ropes may or may not have any sinkers. These nets are extensively used for encircling stretches of water for catching fish by manipulating the head and ground ropes.

. (31) A'!gta Jal:-The ne! me~sut:e~ _45 feet by 20 feet and has meshes of It tnches. It IS used In the RaJshaht Dtv1s1on throughout the year for catching all types of fishes.

(32) Bacha Pine Jal.-This net is 200 feet long, 9 feet deep and has mesh of 2! inches. It is used in Mymensingh for catching J!acha from May to November.

(33) Bara Jal.-Tbis net is commonly used in la1·ge rivers like the Padma the Jamuna and the Meghna as well as other extensive water areas like bhttels' baors, etc. A number of pieces are joined together to form a big net, some time~ as long ...ts 5,000 feet. The width of net is adjusted according to the depth of water to be netted. The meshes of the net are usually very small with the result that the areas are depleted of fish where these nets are used every now and then. There are no weights attached to the bottom repe while floats are fastened to the upper rope. In some districts the net is used during the winter months while in others it is used throughout the year. All types of fishes including Hilsa are caught by this net. '

The net is also known as Jagat Ber, Gogan and Maha Jal.

(34) Ber Jal.-It is a common name fot seine nets although sometimes they are used as drag nets also. The length, depth and the meshes of the nets vary with the stretches of water to be netted and the type of fish to be caught. The ~ets are prepared in small pieces, which are joined together at the time of operal tion according to the necessity. All types of fishes are caught by this net.

6

(35) Bhesha-Gulli Jal.-It is a complicated boat-seine (Fig. 2) of varying length and breadth. It is provided with pockets, which also differ in size and mesh from place to place. The net is used for catching Hilsa.

Fig. 2. Bhesba-Gulli J al.

The Kona Jal or Bhesha gulli of Khulna n1easures 100 feet by 50 to 60 feet with meshes of 2 incht"s, it has large conical trap bags 50 feet long and with meshes of 1 inch. In Tippera the net measures 33 feet by 18 feet with meshes of 2 to 2t inches and is used from May to October. Jn Rajshahi and Pabna the net is 200 to 350 feet long, 10 to 30 feet deep and with meshes of 1 to 2 inches. The Kona net of Dacca measures 400 feet in length, 10 feet in depth and posses­ses meshes of 2 inches. In. Kushtia it is 75 feet to 1,000 feet by 30 to 40 feet with meshes from 2! to 3 inches. The biggest kona jal of Bakarganj is ury to 1,000 feet in length, 40 feet in breadth and with 2 inches mesh. •

The kona net of Faridpur has only one pocket situated at one end. The net itself measures 30 feet to 33 feet by 24 to 36 feet with m~hes of 2 inches.

To the head rope are attachee bamboos whereas there are no sinkers fastened to the ground rope. The mouth of trap is kept open by 2 bamboo poles placed crosswise. The posterior free ends of the pockets are kept closed by means of strings when the net is in operation. Inside the main pockets there are smaller inner pouches, which imprison the fish and prevent them from escap­ing. The net is payed by boats. At shot·t intervals the strings of the pockets are untied for removing the fish.

(36) Chanchi Jal.-This net has pock_ets . at the I_owt'r end, formed by doubl­ing up about 2 feet of the lower edge and stltchtng at Intervals. It has both floats and sinkers.

When the net is operated, the fish are disturbed and in an attempt to escape jump and fall in the pockets. The net is used in Pabna.

(37) Cheli J al.-In Mymensingh the net measures 10 to 15 feet and pos­sesses mesh oft inch. Usually 4 pieces are joined together for operation. In Bogra, on the other ha~d, the dimensions are 225 feet by 18 feet with t inch mesh. The net is used trom May to July.

(38) Chhota Ber Jal.-In Rangpur the measurement of the net is 120 feet to 300 feet by 7 to 10 feet with 1 to 1! inches mesh and the net is used for catching Rui, Catla and Mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala), from July to October. The Chhota her used in Bogra is deeper, it is 300 feet by 15 feet with mesh ofli inches. All kinds of fish are caught by this net from December to March. There is not much difference between the Chhota ber of Bogra and Bakarganj

7

except that in the latter case Hilsa are caught by this net. In Kushtia several pieces are joined together at the time of operation. Each piece measuses 33 feet by 21 feet with ! to 1 inch mesh.

(39) Dal Jal.-A number of these ~re joined tog~the! to enclose the d_al, which is also called Jag or katha. This type of fishing Is called Katha fishing and the net is known as Dal, Jagua and Khen Jal.

Leafy branches are immersed in shallow regions of bheels, baors, khals and sluggish rivers in September and these are allo\>ved to remain there for some months The leavers decay and algae appear on the branches in due course. Different species of fish move to this region for shelter as well as for feeding. As soon as the flood subsides, the areas around the dal are netted in order to frighten the fish which come to rest under the branches. The dal is then sur­rounded by the net, which is gradually brought closer and closer. The branches are then lifted and thrown out and the fish are either caught by hand or are fished by cast net. A large number of fish including Chital (Notopterus chitala), Phloi (Notopterus notopterus), Gajar (Ophicephalus morulius), Shol (Ophi­cephalus striatus), Boal, Air, Punti, Tengra, etc., are caught in this way.

This net is used in almost all the districts of East Bengal.

( 40) Dhop Jal.-This net is used in the district of Bakarganj for catching Pangas and Hilsa. It is 120 fe\!1 by 30 feet with 1 inch mesh. A number of pieces are joined together for operation. The net is hauled while still afloat.

It is 120 feet long, 15 to 20 feet deep and with 2t to 3 inches mesh in the district of Mymensingh and is used from November to June for catching Phloi Shol, Gazar and Boal. The net has b<...th floats and sinkers.

(41) Dora Jal.-This is a small net, which can be operated by two men. The net is used in Bogra. The free ends of the head rope are held up by the two men while the ground rope is fastened to their ankles. The operators mov~ in a circle to enclose a small stretch of water. This is also called Pa Jal.

t 42) Fadi Jal.-This net is used for collecting poa, Tapassi (Polynemus paradiseus) and Phensa in the district of Bakarganj, from September to Novem­ber. The net measures 300 feet and by 45 feet and has meshes from 1 to 4 inches.

( 43) Ghai Ber Jal.-The net consists of several pieces and measures up to 2. 700 feet in total length, 45 feet in depth and has mesh of 1 inch. It is used from November to April for catching Hilsa in the district of Bakarganj. At Kushtia it is 42 feet by 27 to 33 feet with meshes of 1 to 2 inches and is used throughout the year for catching all types of fishes. '

(44) Ghana Ber .fal.-There are no weights attached to the ground rope This net is used in the districts of Kushtia, Rangpur, Pabna, Rajshahi~ Bogra Noakhali, Mymensingh, Jessore and Bakarganj. All types of fishes are caught by this net.

The length, depth and mesh of the net vary from place to place. A number of pieces are joined together for operation according to the necessity. The length of each piece may be 120 to 300 feet, depth 18 to 45 feet and mesh 1- to 1 inch.

( 45) Gulti Jal.-The net measures 1,000 feet in length, 20 feet in depth and has mesh of 2! inches. It is used in the district of Bakarganj from June to November for catching Hilsa. It has pockets (ghai) at the lower end which are formed by doubling up a foot or two of the lower margin. It has both floats and sinkers.

•

8

(46) Gultin Jal-This is a hilsa l.let used in the district of Bakarganj, from April to September for catching Hilsa. It is 150 feet long, 45 feet deep, with 2 inches mesh. Like Gulti it has pockets at the lower extremity ana also floats and weights.

(47) Hat Panch Jal.-The net measures 150 feet by 18 feet and has mesh oft inch. The net is hauled whiled still afloat. For operation two or more pieces are joined together. The net is in use in the district of Rajshahi. It has both floats and weights.

(48) Jangla Jal.-The net is used in the districts of Bakarganj, Pabna. Jes sore and Faridpur. In Faridpur it is 40 feet by 24 feet with mesh of 2! inches ·and is operated from De~ember to April for catching Hilsa, Rui, Catla, Chital, Air and other tishes. In Pabna the dimensions of the net are 30 feet by 12 feet with mesh of t inch and the net used from October to December for catching prawn. A number of pieces ofthe net are often joined at the time of operation.

The lower end of the net is doubled up and is sewn to form pockets. The net is known by the name of Jangalia Jal in Bakarganj.

( 49) Kati Jal.-It is a net used in Bogra. The lower edge of the net is doubled up and sewn to form pockets.

(50) Kochal Jal.-This net is called Kochal in Kushtia, Pabna, Rajshahi, Bo5ra and D-1.cca, Dora and Koch a! in J essore, and Kochal and Jangil in Bakar­ganj. A number of pieces are joined together to. form a big net, which may be as long a3 2 9000 feet. The depth varies from 10 to 80 feet and meshes from 1 to 1 inch is used for catching small fishes and Bara Kochal (mesh 2 to 4 inch) for catching different species of fish. In Mymensingh Chhota Kochal with i to 1 inch mesh is used for catching small fishes and Bara Kochal (mesh 2 to 4 inches) for large fish. The net is laid by boats. The boats move apart paying tho net and thus enclosing a water area. When the boats come close to each other the ground rope is hauled resulting in the formation of a pocket contain­ing the imprisoned fish. In the Sundarban estuaries this net is used for capturing Hilsa and Pangas.

(51) Paing Jal.-The net varies in size and meshes. It has very small meshes, sometimes as small as ·t inch. The lower portion of the net is stronger., for it scrapes the bottom and is liable to be torn. It is used in the district of Mymensingh. .

(52) Patal Jal.-Tbis net used in the district of Noakhali for catching all types of fishes. It is 200 feet by 20 feet and has n"Iesh of 1 t inches.

(53) Patan Jal.-This net is used for catching Hilsa in the districts of Pabna and Bakarganj. In Pabna it is 200 feet by 20 feet with 2 inches mesh and is used from June to August. In Ba.karganj it measures 900 feet by 46 feet and has 2 inches mesh and is used from Nov~mber to February for catching Bhetki.

(54) Pine Jal.-This net is used in Sylhet for catching Shol, Gajar, etc., from November to February. It is 300 feet long, 15 - feet deep, and possesses mesh of 3 to 4 inches. This is known as Khen Jal in Dacca and Pabna.

(55) Puti pin Jal.-It is 300 to 600 feet long, 8 to 10 feet deep, with mesh of 2 to 6 inches. This is used in the district of Mymensingh throughout the year for catching Chapila, Rui and Mrigal.

- (56) Shounda Jal.-This net is used in the districts of Tippera and MymeD:­singh. In Mymensingh it is 120 feet long, 10 to 27 feet deep with mesh of 2! inches. It is used in the months of November to February for catching Phloi~ Shollt Gazar, etc. Usually 3 to 4 pieces are joined together for operation .

9

(57) Tana Ber Jal.-The net is used in Pabna, Rajshahi, Dacca, Chittagong and Bakarganj. In Rajshahi dimensions of the net are 150 to 200 feet by 20 to 25 feet with 1 to 1! inches mesh; in Pabna 300 to 400 feet by 20 to 40 feet with 3 to 4 inches mesh; in Dacca 500 feet by 15 feet with 2 inches mesh, and in Bakarganj 1, 500 feet by 30 feet with one inch mesh. In the last named district it is employed for catching Bhetki, Poa~ Pangas, Silond, etc., from September to November, in Dacca from September to May for .;apturing carps and Hilsa, and in Pabna and Rajshahi throughout the year for collecting carps and other fishes. The net is without sinkers.

(58) Teori Jal Tera.-This Net is used throughout the year in Rangpur for catching all types of fishes. It measures 150 to 400 feet by 7 to 10 feet and has mesh of lt to 2 inches. A type of this net with t inch mesh is used in Mymen­singh.

(59) Thera Jal.-It is a pocket seine and is used in the foreshore of Noakhali. One end of the net is fixed on the shore while the other end is carried by boat to enclose a water area. The bottom weights stir the fish, which jump and are secured in the pockets.

(60) Thole Jal.-Jt is a small meshed net of Faridpur, with this net a small area is enclosed and then bamboo poles are used to stir the fish thus enclosed.

III. Drag Nets

These nets are rectangular in outline and are used for dragging tanks and other water areas. Some of the seine nets are used as drag nets but there are some which are exclusively used for dragging.

(61) Angta Jal.-Tbis net measures 60 feet by 18 feet and has a mesh of t inch. It is . used in the district of Dinajpur throughout the year for catching all types of fishes. This is also known as Gulli or Kathi Jal.

(62) Anguita Jal.-This net is used in the district of Tippera throughout the year for catching carps. The net is 30 feet long:J 18 feet deep with meshes of t to 1! inches.

(63) Badai Jal.-This net is used in the districts of Pabna, Bogra, Khulna> Bakarganj, Mymensingh, Dacca and Sylhet. It is also known as Jolar and Khuiya.

It is used in one district or the other throughout the year for catching Chela:. Pabda, Puti and fingerlings of major carps. It measures from 100 to 350 feet in length from 7 to 20 feet in width and with meshes from 1/16 to 2 inches.

(64) Badar Jhanki Jal.-This net is used in the district of Chittagong from December to April for capturing carps and other big fishes. It is 375 feet by 75 feet and has mesh of 3 inches.

(65) Ber Jaf.-. -Description of the net is given under seine nets.

(66) Chapa Jal.-This net is used for capturing large varieties of fishes. In Bakargang, it measures 180 feet by 30 feet with t inch mesh and the net is used from October to May. In Noakhali it is 200 feet by 20 feet, with 1 inch mesh. in Dacca it is 30 feet by 12 feet with 1 inch mesh and is used throughout the year. The measurement of net at Kushtia is 60 feet by 27 feet with mesh from 1 to 2 inches. The biggest Chapa Jal ar-e in use in Rajshahi where these mea­sures 500 to 7 50 feet by 20 to 25 feet and possess mesh from ! to 1 t inches.

(67) Che/la Jal.-The net is 300 feet long, 15 feet deep and possesses mesh oft inch. It is used in Bakarganj from March to June for catching Chella fish.

2

10

(68) Dara Jal.-Tbis net is used for catching Hilsa fish from November to April in the district of Bakarganj. It measures 900 feet by 15 feet and has mesh of 2-!- ir:ches.

The Dara Jal of Jessore is nothing but a rope covered with old and rotten nets. With this air fish (Mystus aor) are driven to the bank.

(69) M oi Jal.-This net is used in Tippera and Chitta gong from November to April for catching prawns and small fish. It measures 10 feet in length~ 6 feet in width and has mesh of i inch. Another name for this net is Moia Ja].

Moi Jal Two bam boo poles are fixed to two shorter sides of the net. Two fishermen operate the net by holding the bamboo vertical.

(70) Tana Jal.-This is a net which is used both as a seine net as well as a drag net. Its mesh is 1 to 1-! inches.

(71) Teori Jal.-This net is used in Tippera throughout the year for captur­ing major carps and other big size fishes. Its dixnensions are 30 feet by 21 feet with 3 to 3t inches mesh.

IV. Trawl Net It is a net with a single mouth leading into a big pouch or a number of

mouths or openings leading into the bag-like structure. The mouths are kept open by floats and weights.

(72) Chanti Jal.-This net is used in the district of Rajshahi. About :!th of the lower part of the net iC) doubled up and stiched with the upper part leaving openings several inches in diameter. Sin kers are fastened with 1he lower margins of the openings so that the mouths may not close wben the net is in operation. In front of the openings, pieces of clay are fixed to disturb the prawn and thus to drive them into the pouch. The net is dragged by means of ropes.

(73) Duba Jal.-This net is also used in Rajsbahi. About trd of the net is doubled up and is sewn to form a pocket. The mouth of the pouch is kept open by means of sinkers. With the free end of the net is fastened a bamboo, to either end of which is tried a rope a foot in length. At the free end of the rope is fixed a brick. When the net is dragged the bamboo and the sinkers keep the mouth of the pouch open and the bamboo remains about one foot above the bed.

All types of fishes found near the bed are caught by this method. (74) Goria Jal.-It is ·similar to the Duba Jal but is smaller in size. It is

used in the district of Mymensingb. (75) Janglia Jal.-This resembles the Duba Jal and Goria Jal and is used

in Pabna for catching Hilsa.

11

(76) Moi or Moia Jal.-The net (Fig. 3) is used in the districts of Tippera, Rangpur!J Pabna~ Rajshahi, Khulna, Mymenshingh, Dacca and Bakarganj. This measures from 8 to 20 feet in length, 5 to 10 feet in breadth and has meshes from ! to 1 inch. It is used for capturing prawns and small-sized fish. This

Fig. 3. Moi or Moia Jal.

resembles the Duba-Jal. About one-third of the lower edge is doubled up and attached to the upper part making a !ong pocket. To the lower edge of the pocket are fixed weights. At Myn1ensingh the lower turned up edge is sewn in such a way that a number of openings leading to rhe pocket are left (Fig. 4). To the free edge of the openings weights are fixed. The net is dragged by two long ropes.

Fig. 4. Moi or Moia Jal.

(77) Toni Jal.-This net resembles other nets described above. It is used in the districts of Bakarganj, Sylhet, Dinajpur and Rangpur throughout the year for catching small-sized fish. It measures from 8 to 30 feet in Iength!J 7 to 15 feet in width and has mesh from i- to 1 inch.

V. Porse, Clasp or Blap Nets

These are bag nets operated by boats for capturing a small number of fish at a time.

(78) Biri Jal.-This net is u~ed in Mymensingh throughout the year for catching small-sized fish. It is 30 feet long anJ. 48 feet wide. The meshes of the upper part of the net are 2-!- inches while the meshes of the lower part are as sn1all as -b- inch.

The mouth of net is strengthened by two bamboo poles. A rope is fixed to the middle of the lower lip which after passing through a fork fixed to the upper lip goes into the hands of the fisherman sitting in the boat. A brick is also fixed to the lower lip in order to keep the mouth of the net open during operation of the net. After lowering the net into the water the boat is allowed to move with the current. As soon as ascending Hilsa strike the net the haul rope is imme­diately pulled shutting the mouth Qf the net. The net is then hauled and the imprisoned fish removec;i!

12

(79) Hanti Jal.-The net is 16 feet long is rectangular in outline. The posterior end of the net is made into several pockets. The lower lip of the mouth is weighed with sinkers and the mouth is kept open by a number of poles.

(80) Honga Jal.-The net is used in the district of Sylhet from April to November for catching Hilsa. It is 24 feet long, 10 feet in breadth, with 2 to 4 inches mesh.

It is a puLse net with semicircular mouth bordered by two flexible bamboo pieces, thick in the middle but tapering towards the ends. The other detail as well as the working of the net is similar to that of Biri.

(81) Kharki Jal.-The net is almost e11iptical in outline (Fig. 5). The haul rope of Biri is replaced by a bamboo. No weight is fastened to the lower lip of the mouth. The net is lowered in the water with its mouth open. As soon as any fish strikes the net, the haul bamboo is suddenly pulled imprisoning the fish in the net.

Fig. 5. Kharki Jal.

The d mensions of nets in different districts are:

Rajshahi 12 to 18 feet by 10 to 12 feet with mesh of 11- inches. Pabna 22 to 24 feet by 15 feet with mesh of 2! inches. Kushtia 27 feet by 6 to 14 feet with 2 to 3 inches mesh. Faridpur 24 to 30 feet by 24 to 30 feet with 3t inches mesh. Dacca 30 feet by 15 feet with 2 inches mesh. Tippera . . 20 feet by 24 feet, with meshes from 1! to 2-! inches.

The net is commonly used during the rainy season. It is also known by the name of Sharki in Pabna.

(82) Shanga Jal.-This net is elliptical in outline and similar to Biri but has 4 inches mesh. It is used for capturing big carps.

(83) Shangla Jal.-It is an elliptical net (Fig. 6) resembling Biri in most of the details.

Fig. 6. Shangla Jal ..

13

In Rajshahi it measures 15 to 18 feet by 10 to 12 feet with It inches mesh, in Rangpur 13 to 15 feet by 18 to 20 feet with meshes from 2 to 2-i inches~ in Pabna 24 feet by 12 feet with 2 inches mesh, and in Khulna 30 feet by 7 feet with 1 to 1-! inches mesh, in Kushtia it is 21 to 27 feet by 6 to 9 feet with 2 to 3 inches mesh, in T.ppera 24 to 27 feet by 12 to 16 feet, with 1 to 2-!- inches mesh. The net is mostly used for Hilsha during the rainy season.

Shangla is known by the name of Khosh Jal in Bakarganj, Hilsha Jal in Mymensingh and Lewa Jal in Sylhet. In addition to the haul rope a feeler cord is fixed to the upper part of the net. As soon as the operator feels that fish has entered the purse, the haul rope is pulled. This net can be used for catching fishes in comparatively deep waters. Sometimes the haul rope is as long as 100 feet.

VI. Fixed Purse Nets

These are purse shaped nets placed in water in n1otion. The nets are used in rivers~ estuaries and foreshore.

(84) Atan Jal.-It is a conical net 36 feet long and 30 feet wide when doubled up, and possesses two wing-like extensions, one on either side of the mouth. The mesh of the net is 4 inches in the anterior part and 2 inches near the cod end. There is a trap inside the outer pocket. The net is operated by two boats by 4 to 6 men. It is fixed with the mouth facing the current. The head ropes are either tide to trees on both sides or trees on one shore and buoy on the opposite side.

The net is used in the foreshore of Khulna throughout the year for capturing. bhetki.

(85) Bada.-Tbis is a bell-shaped net (Fig. 7) with its posterior prolonga-

Fig. 7. Bada Jal.

tions tied by string. The lateral extensions of the net served as guide-walls. The net has a pouch as in Atan. There is another pouch inside, which serves as a trap.

The ground and head ropes bordering the mouth and its lateral extensions are tied to stakes to keep the net stretched and the mouth open.

(86) of Atan. Khulna.

Behuti.-The principle of the working of this net is the san1.e as that In shape also it resembles Atan. The net used in the foreshore of

It is 40 to 50 feet long, 35 to 40 feet wide, with meshes varying from 1 inch in the anterior part to -!- inch in the posterior region. The net is operated by 4 to 5 men from June to October for capturing prawns. The net is also called beoti.

14

(87) Bendi Jal.-This net (Fig. 8) is operated in the estuaries and fore-

Fig. 8. Bendi J al.

shores of Khulna, Chittagong, Noakhali and Bakarganj by boats with a gang of 20 to 30 men. Like Atan Jal this net is conical and has two extensions. It is from 50 t\> 200 feet from the anterior to the posterior end. - 60 to 150 feet wide and with mesh from t to 1 inch. All types of small fishes are caught by this net.

The net is also known by the name of Belzundi and Benti. It is operated in the same way as Atan Jal.

(88) Soti.-It is a funnel-shaped net (Fig. 9) but unlike Atan it has no trap or inner pouch. The month of the net is kept open by a stake fixed in the bed of the rive:r-. Like the mouth the wings are also kept extended by stakes. The posterior end of the pouch is tied by a rope during the operation of the net.

Fig. 9. Soti Jal.

A large number of these nets are fixed in the river side by side. It is used in Rajshahi, Pabna and Kushtia.

Vll. Stake Nets

. These are nets hung on stakes when in operation.

(89) Attna Jal.-The net is 15 feet long, 10 feet broad, with mesh of ! inch. It is used in the district of Chittagong throughout the year for capturing small-sized fish.

15

(90) Baro Jal-- This net (Fig. 10) is used in bheels of Sylhet ior catch­ing young fish. It is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide and has mesh of 1 inch near the periphery and much smaller in the central portion. One of the longer

Fig. 10. Baro Jal.

sides of the net is fastened to stakes while the opposite side is streched and allowed to sag in the water. As soon as some fish come over the net, the free side of the net is suddenly lifted and bung on the hooks of two stakes fixed for the purpose.

In Daeca it is 15 feet 1ong, 10 feet wide with meshes of t incho It 1s used for capturing carps from June to December.

This net is also known as Bhairab and Bhoro.

(91) Bundh Jal.-The net is used in the district of Bakarganj throughout the year for capturing different species of fish. It is fixed by- means of bamboo poles across rivers. At sides, near the banks, other nets, like Kona Jal, etc., are fixed. This net serve·5 as obstruction to the movement of fish and guides them to kona and other nets fixed for the purpose.

(92) Charpata Jal.--The length of the net varies from 20 to 40 feet, depth- from 10 to 12 feet and mesh trom ! to 1 inch. It is used in chars in Khulna and Bakarganj. The net is bordered by strong ropes. At low tide, the lower edge of the net is fixed by stakes to the ground and upper edge is allowed to lie on the ground. During high tide the upper edge is lift~d and fastened to the upper ends of the stakes. On fall of water level the fiish stranded are gathered by hand.

(93) Khal-pata Jal.-The principle of operation of this net is the same as Charpata. This is usually used in khals. The length and width of the net depends upon the khal to be netted. This net is also known as Kanthi Tal.

(94) Kharchi Jal.-The net is 750 feet long, 10 feet deep, with 1 inch mesh. It is used in the district of Bakarganj from September to February for capturing fishes-like Pangas, Silond, Poa and Bhetki. The net is used in chars for surrounding pieces of shallow waters during high tide. At low tide water recedes and stranded fish are collected.

(95) Kheo Jal.-The net is 30 feet by 20 feet. It is used in bheels of Sylhet. The net is fixed across water passage, between thick vegetation. This passage is used for movement of boats. When the fish move for food these are caught by the Kheo Jal.

In Dacca Kheo is 150 reet in length, 10 to 15 feet in depth and with 1 to 1l inches mesh. It is used fron1. January to March for capturing carps.

16

(96) Farsha Jal.-This net is used in the district of Chittagong from March to December for capturing Silond and some other fish. It is 37 feet by 19 feet with 1 inch mesh.

(97) Lakua Fonda Jal.--The net measures 180 feet by 12 feet and has 4 inches mesh. It is used in Chittagong from November to March for cap­turing Bhetki and Lakua fish (Polynennts indicus).

VIII. Framed or Dip-Nets These are sn1all fishing nets made of bamboo frame, and possessing

long handles. These are let down in water for capturing fish. (98) Bhael Jal.-This net (Fig. 11) is traingular in outline. Two bamboo

poles, one longer than the other, are fixed at an angle of about 30 degrees.

Fig. II. Bhael Jal.

The longer portion of one of the bamboos serves as a handle. To the triangle is fastened the net. A small cross bamboo is tied at the posterior end of the triangle to keep its angle constant and fixed.

The traingular portion of the net is lowered and is pushed forward along the bed of the shallow water areas. All types of small sized fish are captured by this net. The removal of the cross bamboo bring the two bamboo poles together:l thus making the net easily portable.

This net is in common use in Tippera, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chitta­gong and other districts. This is used throughout the year. This is also called Veur.

(99) Bel Jal.-lt is large V-shaped net fastened across two bamboo poles fixed at an angle to each other. Like the Bhael in this case also a cross bamboo is fixed near the base to keep the angle between the two poles ;fixed. The net is operated by boat. It is lowered in water and after a few minutes

Bel or Naka Bheshal. is raised by applying pressure at the base. The net is :used throughout the year for capturin& all types of fishes, especially carps.

17

In Dacca it measures 50 feet from base to apex and 40 feet across at tho apex, and its mesh is ! inch. In Noakhali, on the other hand~ dimensions are 55 feet by 38 feet, ~vith mesh varying from! to ! inch.

The net is also known Langia, Sitki, Nauka~ Veshal

by the name and Honcha.

of Behal, Naoka Bhesal~ Hati,

(100) Chhai Jal-This is made of two split bamboos crossing each other and fixed in the form of an arch. To this is attached the net, which bas mesh from l to 1/12 inch. The net itself measures about 5 feet in length, 3 feet in breadth and is used in Bakarganj, Dacca and some other districts by women and children throughout the year for capturing Koi, Singhi, Puti and other small sized fish.

The net is dipped in water and after a few minutes is suddenly raised by the bamboo handle.

(101) Chhotki Jal-It is made of two bamboo poles held by a cross pole parallel to each other. The net is rectangular in outline and is fixed to the parallel poles. The net is from 7 to 12 feet in length, 5 to 12 feet in breadth, and has mesh from t to 1 inch. It is used in Bogra and Dinajpur throughout the year for capturing mud-fishes. The net is dipped in water and is pushed forward along the bottom and then is suddenly lifted.

(102) Dharma Jal-The net (Fig. 12) resembles Chhai Jal but is slightly

D harn1a J al.

larger in size. In Bakarganj, Tippera and Dacca the dimensions of the net are 8 to 10 feet by 7 to 8 feet with mesh from i to 1 inch, in Kbulna it measures 12 feet by 12 feet with t to i inch mesh, in Chittagong the measure­ment is 15 feet by 18 feet with mesh varying 1/12 to t inch.

3

18

The net is used throughout the year in the same way as Chhai Jal. It is also known ·as Shib Jal and Tak Jal. Boiled rice are placed in the net to serve as bait to the fish. In addition to the bamboo handle occasionlly a rope is used to facilitate the manipulation of the net.

(103) Ghuchoin Jal-This net is similar to Bhesal in structure and ap­pearance but is much smaller in size. With this net floating vegetation is sud­denly lifted and fish present there are thus captured. A boy can work this net by a boat. It is used in the district of Bakarganj.

(104) Hath Bauli Jal-This is a small B~esal .[al with 2 inches mesh. The net is worked by hands by boat for catchtng Hdsa in the district of Raj­shahi and Pabna during rainy season.

(105) Hefa Jal..-It is a type of Blzael Jal but is larger in size. It is 24 feet in length, 10 feet in breadth and ha~ mesh of 4 inches. It is used in the _ district of Sylhet from April to May for capturing Hilsa.

(106) Honcha Jal.-The net is 3 feet by 3 feet and has mesh of t inch is used in the district of Dacca throughout the year for catching miscella­neous fishes.

19

(107) Jali Jal-This net is used in Dacca, Mymensingh, Jessore .... nd Raj­shahi for catching sprawn and small-sized fish. The net is used throughout the year.

In Rajshahi and Dacca it measures from 3 to 5 feet in length, 2 · to 5 feet in breadth, -'\vith mesh from 1/16 to i inch. The dimensions of the net used in Mymensingh are 6 to 12 feet with i inch mesh, while in Jessore these are 12 to 6 feet with 1/16 inch mesh.

(108) Kechki Jal-The net has very small meshes and resembles Khara jal in appearance. It is 10 feet by 5 feet with mesh varying from ito t inch. It is used in Sylhet from September to January for capturing Kechki fish.

(109) Khalla Jal-The net (fig.. 13) is similar to Dharnw Jal except that the bamboo handle is ab3ent. The net is used in Tippera, Faridpur and some

Fig. 13. Khalia Jal.

other districts. It is 9 to 12 feet by 2 to 3 feet with i to 11 inch mesh. This is used during rains. The net is placed in shallow water \vhile the operator holds the rope on the bank or sometimes even standing in the shallow water. As soon some fish come over the net, it is pulled suddenly by the rope. The fish as a result fall on the bank and are picked up. ThiCi is specially used for capture of Khorshula fish. This net is known as Tani in Bakarganj.

(110) Khara Jal-Jt is a large triangular net (Fig. 14) with mesh. from 1-

Fig. 14. K.hara Jal.

inch to 1-!- inches but instead of working from the boat it is adjusted on a bamboo platform prepared on the bank or in a shallow water near the bank. The net is so adjusted that its apical portion comes about 4 feet out of water when weight is applied on its base.

The nets are of different sizes in different districts and are used in most of the districts of the province. In Pabna it is 60 feet by 45 feet, in Dacca 50 feet by 30 feet .. In Rangpur 45 feet by 37 feet and in Bogra 21 feet by 6 to 10 feet. The net 1s used almost throughout the year for catching small fish. It is also known as Khadra Jal and Bheshal Jal.

20

(111) Pelon Jal~ The net is ·triangular in outline and is similar to Bhael Jal. It measures from 4 to 8 feet with ! tot inch tnesh. This is used for catching small fishes throughout the year in the districts of Pabna, Rangpur, Bogra, Narayanganj, Dacca, Sylhet, Tippera and Chittagong, Another name for this net is Thela.

(112) Pona Jal-The net has very s1na1l meshes and it resembles the Bhael Jal. It is used in Dacca and Cbittagong for catching young carps.

(113) Tar Jal-This is a rectangular net and is worked by a boat. The longer sides of the net are strengthened by bamboo poles. One of the shorter sides is fixed to the anterior part of the boat The ends of the poles near the boat are he~d by hands while the net is immersed in \Vater. The boat is then allowed to move downstreams. As soon as some fish are - found over the net these are thrown on the boat by sudden pull of the net. The fish are driven the net by tamed otters in the district of Khulna.

The net measures frcm 15 to 18 feet in length, 12 to 15 feet in width and \Vith mesh from 1- to t inch. This is used from May to October in Mymensingh for capturing prawns. In the river Halda of Chittagong similar net but made of mosquito curtain is used for the collection of spawn. It is 36 to 39 feet by 9 feet.

IX. Cast Nets

These are nets which are thrown and collected without waiting for a long time. These are conical in ontline and their lo,Ner edges are turned up to form pockets. To the free edges of the pockets are fixed iron weights.

(114) Bachari Jal-lt is a big cast net, Vrhich is payed by othar or Bachari boat and also hauled oii the same boat. The net is at first ~tretched along the boat and then is allowed to go in water. It is from 30 to 60 feet from the appex to the base, 45 to 220 feet in circumference and ha~ mesh from 1 to 4 inches. The lower margin of the net is turned up to form pockets. The free margins of the pockets have sinkers attached to them.

The net is known by the name of Bachari in Pabna, Jessore, Khulna and Bakarganj, Othar in Rajsbahi, Dinajpur and Faridpur, Utar Jal in Tippera, Dhang in Bakarganj~ and Doon in Noakhali. It is used for catching big fishes such as Catla, Rui, Pangas, etc.

21

(115) Khepla Jal-Thi& is a conical net (Fig. 15) known as Betka in Noakhali, Khepla in Dacca, Kushtia, Mymensingh, Bakarganj, Rajshahi, Jessore, Pabna, Rangpur, Bogra, Dinajpur, Tippera and Jessore, Jhanki in Rangpur

Fig. 15. Kepla Jal.

and Faridpur, Chhatki in Rangpur, and Chittagong, Dhundi and Kheo in Sy1het Other names for the net are Teora in Jessore, Chittajal in Tippera and Bhumri and Pheka in Dinajpur. It is from 12 to 20 feet from the anterior to the posterior ends, with 20 to 40 feet diameter of its mouth and t to 3 inches mesh. As a matter of fact no two nets are exactly similar. These are used in all districts for

Khepla Jal.

catching all types of fishes throughout the year.

22

The hauling string of the Det is ftxed at the narrow apical end of the cone . . The lower end is folded and doubled up and attached to the net at intervals to form a series of pockets. The m a rgins of the pockets are provided with iron weights. As soon as the net is thrown, it goes down due to its weight as well as the weight of the sinkers. When the net is hauled the sinkers disturb the fish, which enter the pockets and are secured there.

(116) Rekh Jal-It is 60 feet long with 10 feet circumference and with mesh of i inch to 1 inch and is used in the district of Sylhet for catching carps from August to October.

Ill the first part, the Author had recorded 30 Gill nets~ 30 Seine nets, 11 Drag nets:~ 6 Trawl nets, 6 Clap nets, 5 Fixed Purse nets, 9 Stakenets, 16 Dip nets and 3 Cast nets, used in different districts of East Pakistan. llere 26 traps, 8 spears and harpoons and some other fishing implements are described.

B. FISH TRAPS

Fish traps of East Pakistan are mostly made of split bamboo. These are · worked in shallow waters by non-professionals to entrap fishes of small ~izes for home consumption, and only rarely by regular fishermen for eat-ning their livelihood. Some of the common traps are briefly described below :-

(1) Ahuka-The t rap (Fig. 16) is triangular in outline and is made up of bamboo-matting. It is from 4 to 12 feet in height. Anterior end of a bamboo is fixed to the middle of the mouth 'vhile its posterior end forms the handle.

Fig. 16. Ahuka. ·

23 -

The operator places the trap with its mouth facing him and disturbs the bottom mud, with the result that in trying to escape the fish enter the trap. This is used for catching small-sized fish o~ly. The trap is known by the name of Honcha in Bakarganj'" Bogra, Chittagong, Dacca, Faridpur, Jessore, Kushtia, Pabna and Tippera, Ucha in Mymensingh and Jhaoi in Noakhali and Rangpur.

(2) Anta-It is a rectangular trap (Fig. 17). Its height is almost equal to \ts width. The trap is u~ed for trapping prawns and small-sized fishes in

almost all the districts. well as breadth.

Fig. 17. Anta.

It is usually 2 feet in length and one foot in height as

(3) Guchi-The trap (Fig. 18) is in the form of a long shovel, with a short handle made of bamboo. The bamboo also extends backwards and

Fig. 18. Guchi.

strengthens one side of the shovel. A loop of cane or cord is tried near the basal portion of the bamboo to assist in the manipulation of the trap. The fish-catcher thrusts the trap in shallow water and pushes it forward for some distance and then suddenly raises it. The trap is used for catching Singbi, and eel-like fishes in the districts of Rangpur, Tippera Chittagong and Bakarganj. It is known by the name of Nui in Tippera and Gushi in Bakarganj and Rangpur. It is about 6 feet in length.

(4) Benki-It is a rectangular trap (Fig. 19) "" ith broad base and narrow apex. lts anterior and posterior sides are quite long . and are provided with one

Fig. 19. Benki.

24

or more trap doors for the entrance of fish. There is an opening at the upper end for removing the trapped fish. Often two such traps are joined together at an angle for operation. Other names for the trap are Benchi, Boichna, Dheur, and Dhiar. This is used in Bakarganj, Bogra, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Rangpur and Tippera.

(5) Bhair-The trap is of the form of a long box and is placed on the short base at the time of operation. The trap door is quite long and it extends from the base to the apex of the longer side. The door is guarded by the free ends of the split bamboo pieces. At the apex of the trap there is a small opening for removing the entrapped fishes. The trap is used in Bogra, Mymensingh, Rangpur and Sylhet.

(6) Chak Jal-It (Fig. 20) consists of 3 to 4 pieces of bamboo, each about 2 feet in length. At one end the pieces are tied together while at the opposite end these diverge and are connected with a bamboo or cane-hoop. Round the hoop is sewn the free edges of a bag-shaped net, while the upper clo~ed end of the net is tied to ~he apex of the frame. The trap thus formed is pushed on the mud or shallow water and the net is untied from the apex

Fig. 20. Chak Jal.

The fish trying to escape are trapped in the net and are removed. The trap is used in Chittagong, Dacca. Jessore, Khu1na, Rangpur and Tippera.

(7) Charo-It is a conical trap. One side of the trap possesses a trap door extending from the base to the apex. The trap is used in Bakarganj, Dacca, Jessore, Kushtia, Khulnal' Pabna and Rangpur.

25

(8) Chata-The trap (Fig. 21) is made up of a single piece of a thick bamboo. The lower portion of the bamboo is split up while the upper part

Fig. 21. Chata.

remains complete and united. The mouth of the trap is kept open by bamboo or cane hoops. For use, the trap is pressed on the ~ud an~ then ~uddenly lifted with the mouth of the trap facing upwards. It ts used In Ch1ttagong, Dacca, Jessore, Rajshahi and Rangpur. Another name for the trap is Tura.

(9) Chouka-It (Fig. 22) is in the form of a long box with trap doors ending from the base to the apex of either side. At the top of the trap

Fig. 22. Chouka.

there is one more opening for removing the fish. It is similar to Bhair 4

26

(10) Chunga-It (Fig. 23) is simply a piece of bamboo closed at -one

@_ 0 Fig. 23. Chunga.

end and open at the other. It is used for trapping Bairn fish, Mastacembelus armatus (Lacep.) a!ld also other eel-like fishes.

(11) Darki-The trap (Fig. 24) is used in all the districts of the province. It is a box made of split bamboo. A trap door is provided near the extremity of each of the longer axes. These doors are placed just above the base of the trap. There is another door, the 5th, which extends from the base to the apex of one of the longer sides. The trap is used throughout East Pakistan.

Fig. 24. Da1 ki.

(12) Dhair-lt is a drum-shaped trap (Fig. 25) with a slightly flattened base. Its posterior end is closed, while the anterior end has an opening, which

Fig. 25. Dhair.

is divided externally by a bamboo screen. This screen serves to quide the ascending and descending fish into the trap door. The trap is used in Dacca, Dinajpur, Khulna, Noakhali and Pabna.

(13) Dhak-lt (Figs. 26A and 26-B) is a quadrangular rounded or triangular trap with one side longer than the others. Two ropes are fastened

Fig. 26A. Dhak.

27

to the-two- corners of the base of the trap. The free ends of the ropes are in turn tied to two stakes fixed on the bank of the stream. The trap itself is kept in strong current of the stream. The cavity of the trap is loosely filled with leaves and twings for attracting the fish. This trap is emptied after every few

Fig. · 26B. Dhak.

days. It is used in Chittagong, Dacca, Faridpur and Rajshahi. Other names of the trap are Hogra, Jhaloi, Okhra, Shagra, Shar and Sharga.

(14) Doar-The base of the trap is broad and almost rectangular in out­line while the apex is very narrow and ends in a line. It is provided with two trap doors near its base and an opening at the apex near one of the ends. The opening at the top is for removing the trapped fish.

The trap is placed with doors facing the current. Mostly prawns and bottom fishes are caught by this trap It is used in Dacca, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, KJishtia and Pabna. It is als-o known by the names of Doair and Rabani.

(15) Ichha Chai-It (Fig. 27) is a drum-shaped trap with two trap do ors,

Fig. 27~ Ichha Chai.

one behind the other. This is used for trapping all types of small-sized fishes. The trap is used throughout the -province.

28

(16) Jhalanga-It is in the form of a drum (Fig. 28) with the anterior side slighty broader than the- posterior. There are t\\'O trap doors lying one

Fig. 28. Jhalanga (Koi Chai).

behind the other. The trap is used throughout the province specially for capture of Koi fish. It i~ bigger than Ichha Chai and is also known as Koi Chai.

(17) Jhurka-lt is like Thui but its narrow part is elongated and is as long as 3 feet. There is no trap-door. TJ-.e trap is placed in water against the current and the fish once entered cannot come back.

(18) Katya-It is one of the biggest traps used in East Pakistan. Its length is from 6 to 8 feet and derth from 4 to 6 feet. It is broader towards the anterior end while tapering towards the opposite end. The anterior end is concave and possesses a trap-door. 'rhe posterior end is closed. It is used in Bakarganj

9 Faridpur and Rangpur.

(19) Kholson-This trap (Fig. 29) is higher than broad and is used in

Fig. 29. Kholson.

comparatively deep water. There is a trap-door running from the base to the apex of one of its sides. The trap is covered with twigs to conceal it from the fhh. The fish enter through the tt ap~ door and are removed through an opening at the top of the trap. It is used in Bogra, Faridpur, Kushtia. Rajshabi and Ran£ pur.

29

(20) Paor-It (Fig. 39) is a Jong trap with a guide wall extending on either side of the trap-door. It 1s placed in the stream with its door facing the current.

Fig. 30. Paor.

The trap is used in Rajshahi and Kushtia.

(21) Paron-Paron (Fig. 31) has uniform circumference from the anterior

,/ ,, v \

Fig. 31. Paron.

to the posterior end, otherwise it resembles Katya in other details. It is used in Dacca, Faridpur, Mymens1ngh and Pabna.

(22) Polo-It is a bell-shaped trap (Fig. 32) without bottom and with a narrow opening at the top. The operator places the polo on the mud in front of him and searches for fish with hand, through the opening. This procedure

30

is repeated till sufficient fish_ of different varieties are collected. Polo is used for trapping all species of fish. It is used in all the districts of the province ..

Po1o

Another type of Polo is used in Mymensingh. It looks like an inverted vase, with no bottom and a narrow opening above.

/

Fig. 32. Polo.

(23) Shinghi Chai-It is a long drum-shaped trap (Fig. 33). The anterior portion of the trap possesses one or two trap-doors, while the gpostrior end is

31

completely closed. This trap is used for trapping Shinghi, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). It is used in Bakarganj, Dacca, Khulna, Mymensingh, Noakha1i and Rangpur.

Fig. 33. Shinghi Chai.

(24) Shol Chai-This trap (Fig. 34) is drum-shaped like Koi Chai but bigger in size. It is used for trapping shol, Ophicephalus striatus (Bloch). It is mostly used in the district of Dacca.

Fig. 34. Shol Chai.

(25) Thui-It is a bottle-shaped trap with both ends open. The narrower end is plugged with strand at the time of operation. (Fjg. 35). The trap is

Fig. 35. Thui.

placed on the bed in horizontal position. It is al~o known by the name of Thua or Runga and is used for capturing eel-like and snake-headed fish.

(26) Thusi-This resembles Thui in appearance but is made of a type of weed. It is used in the same way as the trap described above. The trap is used in Faridpur, Noakhali and Rangpur.

32

C. FISH-SPEARS AND HARPOONS

Fish-spears and harpoons are in use through out East Pakistan for killing fish and tortoises. Big fishes like Boal (Wallago atta), Shol (Ophicephalus striatus), Gajar (Ophicephalus marulius) and CARPS are especially the targets.

Fish-spears consist of bamboo shafts with forks or groups of iron points fixed to their proximal ends. The free ends of the forks are pointed and shar­pened~ and often barbed.

There are S types of spears and harpoons in common use. Those are briefly described below:

(1) Aro-lt (Fig. 36) possesses a fork with three simple points. It is

Fig. 36. Aro.

used in Jessore and Khu]na for killing fishes like Boal, Shol, Gajar, Carps and others.

(2) Chal-Its fork is detachable and terminates in 2-14 barbed points (Fig. 37). The fork itself is attached to the shaft by a cord. It is used in

Fig. 3 7. Chat.

Bakarganj, Bogra, Mymensingb, Noakhali, Rangpur and Tippera.

(3) Ek-katya-It possesses (Fig. 38) a single detachable barbed point. The spear is attached to the shaft by a cord. It is called Reksha in Noakhali.

Fig. 38. Ek-Katya.

Other name for it is Ek-nala. It is used in Bakarganj, Dacca, Faridpur, My­mensingh, Jessor~, Khulna, Noakhali, Pabna, Rangpur and Tippera.

(4) Juti-It (Fig. 39) possesses 5-10 split-bamboo pieces with detachable barbed points. The points are attached to the shaft by cords. Another name for it is Jutya. It is used in Bakarganj, Dacca, Faridpur, Mymensingh, Jessore,

Fig. 39. Juti.

33

Kbulna) Kushtia, Pabna, Rangpur and Tippera.

Pacha ~Konch. (5) Pacha Konch.-It (Fig. 40) consists of 6-15 split bamboo pieces

Fig. 40. Pacha Konch. firmly fixed in a bunch. The diverging free and pointed ends of the bamboo pieces are covered with simple, sharp iron points. The spear is thrown at a great force at the fish, which is pinned down, when struck. It is known by the name of Konch in BakarganJ, Bogra, Dacca, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Kushtia. Mymensingh, Jessore, Khulna, Noakhali, Pabna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, and Tippera and Chhar in Dinajpur.

(6) Sat-phala-It is a spear with a detachable iron fork terminating in 7 points. The fork is attached to the shaft by a cord. This is used in Dacca, Faridpur, Jessore, Noakhali, Pabna and Rangpur.

(7) Tenta-The fork of tenta is detachable and ends in 3-13 points

«:: ::>} • Fig. 41. Tenta.

(Fig. 41). The points are barbed. It is used in almost all the districts of the province. In some districts it is called Ator.

5

34

(8) Thur Kunch-It consists of 21 sharp-pointed steel wires tied in a bunch and fixed to a bamboo handle. It is used in Kushtia.

D. OTHER FISHING IMPLEMENTS

Fishing Rods-Fishing rods (Chhips) are used thro~ghout the pr~vi:a;tce of East Pakistan for angling fishes for home consumption and sport. Ftshmg by angling is regarded as a most popular hobby in this wing of Pakistan.

A simple fishing rod (Fig. 42) consists of a bamboo of suitable length and girth with a line made of co ton and sometimes sunn-hemp. The hooks are

Fig. 42. Chhip. barbed and to every line 1-3 of them are fixed. The float is nothing but a piece of light wood~ reed or sola while a piece of lead or. iron forms a. sinker. There are al'io 1nvre expensive rods provided with revolving reels but these are not in common use.

Long Lines. (Chhara Barsi~ Hazari Barsi)-In this case the line (Fig. ~3) i~ several hundred or tho us and feet in length and to it are attached at smtabl$

Fig. 43. Chara Lati (Long Line). intervals snoods with baited hooks. The two ends of the line are fixed to stakes on the opposite banks in the case of a river~ or to two boats or buoys. The lines are shot at night and hauled in the morning.

Short Line (Dha.n-Barsi Leth~ Barsi)-This consists of a strong cord, with the terminal part of \vhich are tied at short intervals, a number of snoods with baited hooks (Fig. 44). One e 1d of the line is held in the boat while the

- <:::: Fig. 44. Dhan-Barsi (short line)

other end is fixed to some float. In Kushtia a number of barbed hooks are fixed at the end of a line. All

the hooks are enclosed in the bait made of cornflour and other substances. These lines are especially used for big carps. The remaining portion of the line is rolled on revolving reel, which in turn is fixed on the bank.

35

Rope-Fishing (Air Jal, Air Mara Dari, Dara J a l. Dari Jal, Dhara Jal, Feri Jal Ferra Jal)-This consists of old and r otte n nets made into a rope h~dred feet or more in length. With this rope is surrounded a water area by boat. The rope is gradually drawn up and with this also come the Air fish (Mystus aor), which get stupefied and make no attempt to escape. These fish are then surrounded by some nets and collected.

E. BARRICADES

Gara-In most of the districts bamboo w eirs are set up across the streams, with a small passage left at some place for the movem ents of the boats. At the -free ends of the weirs either traps are set u p , or nets are placed for trapping the fish. The weir serves as a barricade as well as a guide wall to lead the fish into the trap or net. This method is known as Gara in Faridpur.

Bajna, Bana, Ber, Chachi, Daria, Garai, Pati-It is a screen (Fig. 45) made up of thin split bamboo pieces interconnected by jute threads. It is 20 feet or

Fig. 45. Bana or Pati. 1nore in length and from 2 to 5 feet in h eight. At the time of operation it is kept in vertical position by bamboo stakes.

With screens, mouths of flooded khals, canals, drains, etc., are closed. After rains the water recedes but the fish are st randed. These are then collected either with hands or plunge baskets.

The tidal creeks are similarly screened during high tide and fish harvested dUI·ing the low tide.

In the case of bheels in Sylhei an area is enclosed by the screen. Later on mud walls are made in it dividing the enclosure into number of compartments. These compartments are drained out turn by turn and the :fish left over are caught without any difficulty.

References AHMED,. NAZIR, Bomb. Nat. Hi.st. Soc. Journ., 47: 593-601 (1948). AHMED,. NAZIR, On hilsa fishery of East Bengal. IPFCjC52jTech. 24 {1952). AHMED, NAZIR, Pak. Journ. Sci., 5: 18-24 (1953). AHMED, NAZIR, Pak. Journ. Sci., 5: 117-122 (1953). AHMED, NAZIR,. Prawn fishery of East Pakistan. IPFCJC54JTech. 15 (1954). AHMED,. NAZIR, Fishing-Craft of East Pakistan. IPFCJC54/Tecb. 20 (1954). DE. K.C.,. Report on the Fisheries of Eastern Bengal and Assam. Shillong. Govt. Printer

(1910). GUPT~, K.G. Reports on the Results of Enquiry into the Fisheries of Bengal and into.

Fishery Matters in Europe and America. Calcutta Govt. Printer (1908). HoRNELL, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Mem. 8: 171-238 (1924). NAIDu, M. R., Report on a Survey of the Fisheries of Bengal, Calcutta Govt. Printer (1939).

EPGP-60/61-2283B-500 ..

f