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2.4 Tonnes of Banned African Catfish Seized
30 Nov
Summary
- 2.4 tonnes of banned African catfish were seized.
- African catfish farming was outlawed in India in 1997.
- Illegal farms threaten native fish and wetland ecosystems.
In a significant enforcement action, the Maharashtra fisheries department has confiscated 2.4 tonnes of African catfish from illegal farms operating in the Ujani reservoir backwaters. This species, Clarias gariepinus, has been prohibited in India since 1997 due to its invasive characteristics and the ecological risks it presents. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner Archana Shinde, targeted farms that continued cultivation despite previous warnings.
Experts from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) were consulted to confirm the species and are conducting further analysis on water samples. Their examination will focus on potential microplastic and heavy metal contamination, as well as the broader ecological impact on the Ujani reservoir, a vital habitat for numerous bird species. The presence of invasive predators like African catfish poses a severe threat to the local food web.
The fisheries department is committed to eradicating illegal aquaculture and is actively supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable and legal methods. Increased surveillance across the state is planned to prevent future infringements and protect native biodiversity and wetland ecosystems. Farmers are strongly encouraged to cease banned species cultivation immediately.
