We have now left Bangladesh and our next stop is India. Here
we are following our character Subhasis Dey who is the field coordinator for
the dolphin research group headed by Dr. Sunil Choudhary of Bhaglapur
University. Subhasis spent the majority of his life here in this city in
northern India in the region of Bihar. He has now worked for this research
group for many years and is most likely one of the most critical members to
their success. Why? The reason is that along with coordinating the research
teams field activities on the water, Subhasis has also established very solid
personal relationships with the local villagers and fishermen.
Subhasis talks to a fisherman and his wife as they do their morning chores (Photo: JLewis, TDRF) |
In this region along the Ganges, and in other parts along
this river, there has been a significant reduction in fish stocks (which the
dolphins reply on to survive). Much this reduction can be attributed to the recently
adapted use of mosquito nets to catch the small fish and fish eggs that still
can be found in the rivers. These nets are made of the material that was
created to use for hanging over your bed to keep mosquitos away while sleeping.
It is a tiny, tiny mesh size. And for that reason, the fishermen have chosen to
use this material to now build nets of all kinds and fish traps. The result is
devastating for fish stocks.
Because Subhasis took the time to create bonds of real
friendship with the local people who depend on the river, he is in a position
to really investigate the problem, and then to educate and negotiate. This is
something critical if changes will be made for the continued existence of the
fish, the dolphins and the health of the river.
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