Illegal African Catfish Seized in Major Eco-Protective Operation

The Maharashtra Fisheries Department confiscated and destroyed 2.4 tonnes of the invasive African catfish from Ujani reservoir backwaters. Despite warnings, the banned species was being illegally farmed, threatening local biodiversity. The Bombay Natural History Society supported the operation by providing scientific expertise.

In a decisive move to safeguard local ecosystems, the Maharashtra Fisheries Department seized and destroyed 2.4 tonnes of illegally farmed African catfish from the Ujani reservoir. The operation was carried out on Thursday in Indapur's Kalthan No. 2 village.

The African catfish, also known as African Mangur, is an invasive species banned from inland farming due to its detrimental impact on native freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems. The Bombay Natural History Society assisted in the operation, confirming the species identification and collecting water samples for ecological assessment.

The Ujani reservoir is recognized as an Important Bird Area, home to many bird species. The introduction of invasive predators like African Mangur poses a threat to the ecosystem. Fishery officials have urged farmers to switch to legal aquaculture options, highlighting the economic viability of these alternatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)