Abstract

Apparent declines in abundance of mud eel, Monopterus cuchia in the eight divisions of Bangladesh have prompted concern regarding a long-term determination of this important economic resource. From the survey of eight divisions according to treatment T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ the total production of mud eel was recorded to be 14795.55±186.77, 14201.48±190.33, 13385.98±178.66 and 11946.38±168.06 mt in the year 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. A decreasing trend of total population of mud eel in the country was identified between 2013 and 2017. The decreasing type was logarithmic (y= -1518In (×) + 15070), where R2 = 0.810. There is a significant trend in case of mud eel production. In between 2013 and 2017, a decreasing tendency was recorded in case of using line and by hand, and an increasing trend was found in case of trap. According to (99.22-99.61)% responded reported that increasing destructive fishing pressure, harvested brood during breeding season and high rate uses of agro-chemical are mainly reasons of decline mud eel population. So, a policy should be designed and implemented by joint discussing with Ministry of Fisheries and livestock, Agriculture and Environment. Eco-friendly catch of mud eel is to be practiced until established mud eel seed production to minimize the requirement of seed production of M. cuchia in aquaculture field.