Fishermen along the Brahmaputra in northern Bangladesh struggle as declining fish stocks, climate change, river erosion and illegal practices threaten livelihoods of nearly 30,000 river-dependent families in Gaibandha and Kurigram.
In northern Bangladesh, along the vast waters of the Brahmaputra River, small wooden boats drift under cloudy skies as fishermen prepare their nets at dawn. One man carefully arranges the fishing gear while another steadies the boat with a pole, navigating the strong current with quiet precision.
This is the daily reality for thousands of fishermen in Gaibandha and Kurigram, where fishing has been the main livelihood for generations. Every morning, long before sunrise, fishermen set out across the river in search of a catch that will support their families.
But many say life on the river has become increasingly difficult in recent years.
Balram Das, a fisherman from Saghatta Upazila in Gaibandha, explained that although the river still defines their lives and livelihoods, the abundance of fish that once sustained communities has declined sharply. Fishermen say native freshwater species such as rohu, catla, boal and air are no longer as common as they used to be.
According to district fisheries offices, around 30,000 fishing families living along rivers in Gaibandha and Kurigram depend on open water fishing for their livelihoods. Many of them have been involved in fishing for generations and have few alternative sources of income.
These families rely heavily on major rivers such as the Teesta River, the Brahmaputra and the Jamuna River. However, declining river depth and reduced water flow in many areas are making it harder for fish to survive and reproduce.
During a visit to Balasi Ghat in Fulchhari Upazila, fishermen described how their daily catch has dropped significantly. One fisherman said he spends from early morning until late afternoon casting his small net, yet by the end of the day he often catches less than half a kilogram of fish. At the market, the catch sells for around 200 to 250 taka, barely enough to buy basic food for the family.
Fish traders at the same river port say they face similar difficulties. On many days they wait for hours, but fishermen return with very little or no fish to sell.
Another fisherman from Kamarjani Ghat said the river is their only source of income. When water levels drop, fishing becomes nearly impossible. Even in places where some water remains, fish are becoming increasingly scarce.
Experts and officials say the decline in freshwater fish is driven by several interconnected factors.
Environmental changes are playing a major role. Climate change, irregular rainfall and shifting river flows are affecting breeding cycles and natural habitats of fish. Reduced navigability and sedimentation in rivers are also limiting suitable environments for many species.
Human activities are another major cause. The unplanned harvesting of fish fry, excessive use of agricultural pesticides and the widespread use of illegal current nets in rivers are significantly damaging fish populations.
Governance and management challenges have also contributed to the problem. Community leaders say that some rivers, wetlands and floodplains are being leased out or controlled by influential groups for private fish farming, reducing access for traditional fishermen who depend on open water.
Water scientist and environmentalist Ainun Nishat emphasized that human actions are largely responsible for the decline of fish in rivers. He noted that if rivers are not protected and restored, fish populations cannot recover, and millions of people whose livelihoods depend on rivers will continue to face hardship.
Beyond declining fish stocks, riverbank erosion and frequent natural disasters add further uncertainty to life along the Brahmaputra. Many families living near the river face displacement, loss of homes and unstable income throughout the year.
Community leaders say the situation is becoming more serious for fishing households. Although many fishermen are registered with local authorities, support provided during seasonal fishing bans or difficult periods is often limited compared with the actual needs of families.
Local observers believe stronger support measures could help reduce pressure on these vulnerable communities. Suggested steps include easier access to low interest loans, alternative employment opportunities during fishing bans, targeted food or ration support for fishermen’s families and stronger enforcement against illegal fishing practices.
For thousands of fishing families along the Brahmaputra, the river is more than a source of income. It represents their history, culture and survival. Protecting Bangladesh’s rivers and restoring healthy ecosystems is therefore not only an environmental priority but also essential for safeguarding the livelihoods of river dependent communities in northern Bangladesh.
