liiegal fishing of fry in Bishkhali River at night threatens Hilsa productiom
Abdul Halim, Kathalia (Jhalakathi)
In the Bishkhali River along the banks of Kathalia Upazila in Jhalakathi, unscrupulous fishermen are illegally catching fry of hilsa and other fish species under the cover of darkness. Evading the administration’s oversight, this unethical activity continues regularly. These fry are sold door-to-door at nominal prices.
According to multiple local sources, some dishonest fishermen use fine-mesh nets at night to catch fry of hilsa and other species. These are brought to the shore in small boats and sold in local markets or door-to-door at Tk 50–70 per kilogram.
Alfun Nahar Begum from Pashchim Aura village in the upazila said, “We usually buy fish from the market. Recently, fishermen have been bringing small hilsa fry to our homes by boat. The price is much lower than other fish in the market. A few days ago, I bought 2 kg for Tk 140.”
Local fishermen and environmentally conscious groups warn that if the destruction of fry during hilsa’s main breeding season is not stopped, it will become difficult to find hilsa in this river in the future. If these fry could reach adulthood, they would significantly contribute to the country’s hilsa production. They emphasize that without strict administrative monitoring and increased public awareness, this situation will not improve. If fry destruction continues, not only hilsa but the overall biodiversity of the river will face a serious threat.
Upazila Fisheries Officer Nahida Akter stated, “The issue is under our observation, and we are addressing it with utmost importance. Operations will be conducted soon to take necessary action.”
