Fishing With Otters: An Ancient Practice Facing Extinction In Bangladesh

Humans have been raising animals for centuries, feeding them and earning profits in return. This mutually beneficial relationship is ancient. For example, cows are raised for milk, chickens for eggs, and fish and other creatures for various purposes. However, did you know there is a country where otters are raised? You might wonder why someone would raise an animal that seems to have no special use to humans. In fact, in this country, otters help fishermen catch fish and thus contribute to their livelihood.

According to a BBC report, for centuries, fishermen in the southern part of Bangladesh have used a unique method to catch fish with the help of otters. These fishermen raise otters as pets, then take them to rivers and ponds, securing them with ropes. Otters are excellent swimmers and easily catch fish in the water, bringing them back to their owners. An Instagram travel blogger recently posted a video chronicling the process on his page and it has gone viral since.

Fishing with otters is typically carried out at night, using the otters’ exceptional swimming abilities to catch fish, crabs, and shrimp. This unique method allows fishermen to capture as much as 26 pounds of seafood in a single night. Despite its effectiveness, the partnership between humans and otters is on the verge of extinction. Wildlife experts have observed that this practice has already vanished in other parts of Asia, primarily due to the decline in fish populations.

In Bangladesh, short-haired otters, which are used in this fishing technique, are classified as an endangered species. Experts believe that otter fishing might play a significant role in their conservation. By raising and working with otters, fishermen not only support their livelihoods but also contribute to the survival of this endangered species. The interaction between fishermen and otters creates a symbiotic relationship, where otters are cared for and protected, which can help maintain their population. However, the decline in fish populations poses a significant threat to this age-old practice. As fish become scarcer, the incentive for fishermen to use otters diminishes, leading to a potential loss of this unique method of fishing and further endangering the otters.