Campaign to protect mother Hilsa : 4 people fined, 15,000 meters of net seized in Barishal
Barishal Bureau
The upazila administration has conducted a special operation in the Kirtankhola and Kalabadar rivers of Barisal to ensure the safe reproduction of mother Hilsa. During the operation, four fishermen were fined a total of Tk 35,000 and 15,000 meters of illegal current nets were seized and destroyed.
The drive was conducted for four hours from 6 am to 10 am on Sunday. The drive was led by Barisal Sadar UNO Ms. Farida Sultana.
Fines and collection: Four people were immediately fined a total of Tk 35,000 for fishing in violation of government restrictions and the fine was collected.
Seizure and destruction of nets: During this time, 15,000 meters of illegally used current nets were seized and burned or destroyed.
Fish distribution: 10 kg of mother hilsa seized in the operation were distributed to various local orphanages.
Urging fishermen to refrain from hunting mother hilsa during the campaign, Upazila Executive Officer Mosha Farida Sultana said, "The ban announced by the government to conserve mother hilsa must be strictly followed. It is everyone's responsibility to refrain from fishing in the river during this time to ensure smooth reproduction of hilsa. Stricter legal action will be taken against anyone who hunts fish in violation of the ban."
Among others present at the operation were Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Md. Jamal Hossain and members of the Barisal Battalion Ansar, who provided overall support throughout the operation.
According to relevant sources, the 22-day ban announced by the government to protect mother Hilsa and increase production during the main breeding season of Hilsa is currently in force. The administration's campaign will continue to prevent illegal fishing in rivers and implement government instructions.
According to experts, if the smooth reproduction of mother Hilsa can be ensured, Hilsa production in the country will increase further in the future. In order to achieve this goal, the cooperation of the administration as well as the local people at all levels, including fishermen, is very important.
