The Fisheries Department has issued orders to District Collectors asking them to take action against farmers who rear or sell banned African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) called African keluthi.
“Recently, there was an order from the National Green Tribunal against the fish, since it is an exotic species and it can compromise our genetic pool. This is why we have asked Collectors to take strict action,” a senior official said. Asked if Tamil Nadu had written to neighbouring States from where local markets get the catfish, he said the respective directors of the respective fisheries departments were taking necessary steps.
Freshwater ponds found with the fish would be destroyed and the fish would be buried by officials if found.
More lucrative
A former official of the Fisheries Department explained that since the African catfish grew to good sizes when compared to their smaller indigenous counterparts, farmers found it more lucrative and hence reared them on the sly.
A fisheries sector expert said that along with the warning from Collectors, steps should be taken to trace the hatcheries. Awareness should also be raised among consumers and traders about the dangers of the fish. “Fish markets need to be monitored by the department,” he added.