The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE ten-day ban on Hilsa fishing as announced by the government imposing the restriction along the 7,000 square kilometres of the country's coast, estuary and rivers from October 15 to 24 would, undoubtedly, help increase production and growth of the national fish as stated by the chief adviser's special assistant. According to media reports, the ban covered 20 thanas under the seven coastal districts as around 80 per cent of the gravid Hilsa (mother-fish) spawn during this time in the river estuary. The 'Fisheries Protection Act 1950' provides for punishment for violating the ban.

Since Hilsa contributes for some 13 per cent of Bangladesh's fish output and also accounts for livelihood of several million people involved in fishing and trading, it is imperative to ensure protection of the species. Hilsa production, according to the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, has become 'bleak' in some 50 rivers of the country and the government should take a long-term plan to maintain its production considering future prospects. In 2007-2008, the Hilsa fish production increased up to 2.90 lakh tonnes as against 1.99 lakh tonnes produced during 2002-2003 following effective measures like enforcing ban on catches for some months of the year under the fishery law as amended in 2005.

The 10-day restriction on Hilsa fishing imposed by the directorate of fisheries by setting up monitoring centres at four points following exchange of views with local fishermen. At the peak of the breeding season, Hilsa fishes proceed from the sea to the coastal areas, estuary and rivers to lay eggs during the full moon, so the ten-day period from October 15 to 24 was selected for the ban putting restriction on fishing with a view to increasing production and growth of the national fish.