Umran Hussain
An undated video shot somewhere in Kashmir shows a man using an illegal method of electrofishing to hunt the fish from a running stream.
The video has been shared by various animal rights activists and other social media users asking people to identify the person in the video who can be seen using an illegal method of electrofishing to hunt the fish.
“This is inhuman, this man should be identified and punished, there are other ways to catch the fish, why use this illegal and inhuman method that stuns the fish to death.” Wrote Muntazir, a Facebook user.
What is electrofishing?
Electrofishing is a fishing technique that uses direct current electricity flowing between a submerged cathode and anode. This affects the movements of nearby fish so that they swim toward the anode, where they can be caught or stunned.
Electrofishing is potentially dangerous, or even lethal. The high voltages and currents used, compounded with the presence of water, present serious safety risks. The typical dangers of electrocution, such as electrically-induced unconsciousness and the paralysis of the heart and lungs, are compounded by the risk of drowning, which may result from the aforementioned hazards. In light of this, many safety precautions are taken for those handling electrofishing equipment and those nearby.
The Law about electro fishing in India.
Under Manipur Fisheries act, Wildlife Protection Act and Biological Diversity Act, anyone caught fishing using electricity can be jailed for five to seven years with a fine of Rs 10 lakh, it added.
Electrofishing affects the biological, logistical and environmental sectors. The pollution so caused cannot be reversed while the reproduction of the fish is ceased. It damages the small water organisms and plants, damaging the ecosystem as a whole.
Keeping in mind the negative impact of electrofishing, if the committee catches anyone indulging in this method of fishing, the person will be penalised.
