GILGIT, Nov 11: The Northern Areas Fisheries Department has banned the fishing of endangered trout in all rivers, streams and reservoirs in the region with immediate effect. The ban, aimed at saving the rare fish species from extinction, will remain in force till March next year.

Trout was introduced in the Northern Areas in 1907 during the British Raj. The species registered a remarkable growth in fresh water streams flowing 1200 feet above the sea level.

Officials of the department said the region offered an ideal sanctuary for trout but illegal hunting through the use of dynamite endangered the species.

“Some people indulged in trout fishing during the breeding season and used dynamite that affected fish within a span of one kilometre,” they said.

They added that given the shortage of game-watchers and transport, the department was unable to monitor illegal fishing within a distance of 250kms from Gilgit to Shandur in Gilgit River where trout is found in abundance.