Govt Taking Strong Measures to Protect Hilsa: Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter

Tangail Correspondent

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said the government is taking intensified steps to protect mother hilsa during the breeding season, noting that indiscriminate jatka (juvenile hilsa) fishing has caused serious harm to the hilsa population.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday (October 1) during a visit to the Durga Mandir established by philanthropist Ranada Prasad Saha in Mirzapur, Tangail, she said, “Last year, we saw positive results from our efforts, with 52.5% of mother hilsa successfully protected. This year, we are enhancing our operations by involving the police, navy, and even the air force, which will use drones to monitor illegal fishing activities.”

She pointed out that the reduction in hilsa catch this year is also due to silted-up channels that have disrupted the natural migration routes of the fish. “Many of the hilsa channels have been blocked, leading to fewer catches this season,” she explained.

As part of the annual conservation drive, a 22-day nationwide ban on hilsa fishing will be enforced from October 4 to 24 to protect spawning mother fish.

The adviser also highlighted the harmful role of illegal fishing nets. “Current nets and Chinese nets are major reasons behind the decline in hilsa population. This year, we will be more vigilant and expect to achieve better conservation results,” she added.

She was joined by Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy Deepak Ilmar, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, and Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman.