Highest number of hilsa laid eggs during 22-day ban on fishing

A total of 51.7 percent mother hilsa have laid eggs in rivers and estuaries of the country - which is the highest ever.

"Last year, it was 51.2 percent, Anisur Rahman, a hilsa researcher and chief scientific officer of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute said yesterday following a 22-day fishing ban that ended on October 25.

"Due to favourable weather conditions, a large number of mother hilsa laid eggs breaking all the previous records and the production target of six lakh metric tons may cross," he told The Daily Star.

"However, you have to let these eggs grow into full-size hilsa. For this, it is necessary to implement a 60-day ban on fishing in hilsa sanctuaries and a 65-day ban in sea areas," he said.

"At this time of the season, more fish are being caught and due to the illegal fishing of hilsas, they are not been able to turn into mother fish, so it has become necessary to observe these two restrictions," he added.

"This time, the target of six lakh metric tonnes hilsa production will be met. Although there was a shortage at the beginning, hilsa is available again. The production will increase further," said Barisal Fisheries Officer (hilsa) Bimal Chandra Das.

Alauddin Mia, a fisherman from Bhola Sadar, said they have been netting hilsa for some time now. Around 300 maund were caught three days ago, which is comparatively more than the desired amount.

Hilsa trader Zaheer Sikder said some of the hilsas being sold at the markets are carrying eggs. He said big-sized hislas are being sold at Tk 1,000 per kg, and 600 to 900 grams at Tk 900.

"During the 22-day fishing ban, 680 people had been jailed through 899 mobile courts," said Anisur Rahman Talukder, deputy director of the Divisional Fisheries Office.

"At the time, a total of Tk 2,336,300 fine was imposed while 9 lakh metric tons of fish and 60 lakh metre of nets were seized," he said.