Silvery Hilsa being caught in Hakaluki Haor
The silvery Hilsa is being caught in the nets of fishermen at Hakaluki Haor-the largest haor (wetland) in the country and one of the most significant in Asia.
While only a few small Hilsa were typically caught during the monsoon season in previous years, the recent catch of larger fish in greater numbers has brought joy and excitement to the fishermen.
A significant number of Hilsa were caught in Hakaluki Haor four or five years ago, but sightings had become rare in the interim. Now, however, the fish are once again appearing in the fishermen’s nets and are being sold in local markets. Fisheries experts state that.
Freshwater habitats for Hilsa fish have developed across the countries various rivers and haors (wetlands). Consequently, the fish is now being found in Hakaluki.
According to the Department of Fisheries and local residents, Hakaluki Haor spans the Kulaura, Juri, and Barlekha upazilas of Moulvibazar, as well as the Fenchuganj and Golapganj upazilas of Sylhet.
Covering an area of approximately 18,115 hectares, it is the largest haor in the country. Alongside various indigenous fish species Hilsa fish are also turning up in their nets.
Abundant Hilsa had previously been caught in this haor (wetland) in 2016, 2019, and 2022. Every day, local fishermen gather near the Asurighat Bridge on the Kulaura-Juri road to sell various species of native fish caught in the haor.
A visit to the spot around noon on Thursday revealed a few Hilsa; they weighed between 300 and 400 grams.
Rahul Mia, a fisherman from Bhukshimail Union in Kulaura Upazila, recounted that he and a few others were fishing with a seine net in the haor on Wednesday night, noting that not all the fish were hauled in during a single pull.
After casting the net four or five times, only a few Hilsa fish are spotted-though many have been catching them over the past few days.
Rampant, indiscriminate killing of fish fry and brood fish is taking place in Hakaluki-the country’s largest haor (wetland basin) and one of the most significant in Asia.
Fish are being caught using various methods, including draining the water. The Fisheries Department releases fish fry into the haor at inappropriate times.
Furthermore, the destruction of the haor’s natural environment and biodiversity seems to have become a daily routine for the locals. Due to a combination of factors, Hakaluki now stands on the brink of ruin; reduced navigability means that during the monsoon, the haor overflows with water far exceeding its holding capacity.
During the dry season, the area turns into a vast, waterless wasteland. As a result, the freshwater fish and diverse biodiversity of the haor (wetland) face extreme risk. Various species of indigenous fish, aquatic animals, and plants have already vanished.
Notably, species such as Rani, Aor, Shoul, Gajar, Baghaguttum, and Hilsa were once hallmarks of the Hakaluki Haor. At one time, these delicious fish were frequently caught in the nets of local fishermen; however, with the passage of time, they now appear to be largely extinct. Over the last few years, only in small quantities Hilsa fish are being caught in the nets of fishermen in Hakaluki Haor.
Over the past few days, the catch has been significantly higher than in previous years. Stakeholders are delighted that Hakaluki Haor is reclaiming its traditional status as a source of Hilsa after a long time.
Local fisheries officials and fishermen living near the wetland report that while Hilsa was only occasionally spotted in other years, the catch has increased this year.
Najmul Bari Suhel, a trader from Kulaura who came to buy Hilsa, said, “The Hilsa available in the market usually comes from outside; it isn’t fresh and is packed in ice. Here, however, one often finds fish from the haor itself…”
“I came to make a purchase. I saw Hilsa today; it looks fresh. If the price is right, I’ll buy some.” Locals report that Hilsa from Hakaluki Haor is being sold not only at Asurighat but also in various markets across Kulaura and the neighboring upazilas of Juri and Barlekha.
Mohammad Abu Masud, the Senior Fisheries Officer of Kulaura Upazila, stated that while two to four small Hilsa are usually caught in Hakaluki Haor each year due to its connection with the Meghna and Kushiyara rivers.
Hilsa fish weighing around a kilogram are being caught in large quantities, bringing smiles to the faces of the fishermen. I am optimistic that, Insha’Allah, Hakaluki will set a record for Hilsa production within a few years.
