2-month ban on hilsa fishing begins

A two-month government ban on hilsa catching, selling, hoarding and transporting began Tuesday, with a view to boosting its production.

The ban that covers hilsa sanctuaries in six districts—Barishal, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Bhola, Shariatpur and Patuakhali—will be lifted on 1 May, the government said Monday.

The sanctuaries are 100km in the Meghna River from Chandpur’s Shatnol to Laxmipur’s Char Alexander, 90km in Shahbazpur Channel in Bhola, 100km in Tentulia River in Bhola, 20km in Naria and Bhederganj upazilas in Chandpur district and 82km in Hizla, Mehendiganj and Barishal Sadar upazilas, Gazaria and the Meghna river.

During this period, anyone caught catching, selling, hoarding and transporting hilsa will face up to two years in jail or a fine of Tk 5,000.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has already allocated 80kg of rice for the registered fishermen during this ban period.

Hilsa has the highest contribution in the country’s fish production as the single fish species.

Every year, the government imposes a two-month ban on catching, selling, hoarding and transporting hilsa to boost its production.