African catfish farming is prohibited in Maharashtra in accordance with a Government of India circular issued on December 19, 1997, which bans the inland cultivation of this predatory, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) due to its severe ecological impact
Picture credit: BNHS
The Maharashtra Fisheries Department has taken decisive action against illegal aquaculture operations in the Ujani reservoir, seizing 2.4 tonnes of banned African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) during a large-scale operation on November 27, 2025. The crackdown targeted unauthorised fish farming activities at Kalthan No. 2 in Indapur, where the invasive species was being cultivated despite repeated warnings.
African catfish farming is prohibited in Maharashtra in accordance with a Government of India circular issued on December 19, 1997, which bans the inland cultivation of this predatory, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) due to its severe ecological impact. Officials said the illegal stock was being transported to markets when it was intercepted.
The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries Archana Shinde, supported by Fishery Development Officer Rathod and officials Tushar Walunj, Deepali Gund and Gajanan Kate. The department had earlier cautioned the farm owners, informing them that the species poses a major threat to native fish populations, wetland biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Despite these warnings, the operators allegedly continued farming and selling the banned species.
To ensure scientific verification, the department sought assistance from experts at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). A team led by Dr Unmesh G. Katwate, Head of the Wetland Eco-Restoration & Fisheries Development Programme, conducted on-site taxonomic identification and confirmed that the seized stock comprised African Mangur catfish. The BNHS team — including Bhavya Desai, Suvamoy Maiti, Shachi Pandey, Vaishnavi Patil and Shahin Shajahan — also collected farm water samples for ecological assessment and will study the environmental impact of the illegal operations.
Dr Katwate said BNHS researchers are additionally analysing the seized fish for microplastics and heavy metals, contaminants often associated with poorly regulated aquaculture practices.
Officials emphasised that the illegal introduction of invasive predators threatens the ecological balance of Ujani, which has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BNHS since 2014 and supports both migratory and resident bird species. The presence of African catfish can destabilise the entire wetland food chain, experts warned.
Appealing to farmers to shift to lawful aquaculture practices, Assistant Commissioner Shinde said the department is committed to offering viable and sustainable alternatives. “We urge fish farmers across Maharashtra to cooperate with the department and adopt legal species, which can also provide good income,” she said.
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