Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter urges strict enforcement of the seasonal ban to ensure higher hilsa yields, warning that illegal nets, jatka catching, and climate impacts threaten the iconic fish’s future.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has underscored the importance of protecting mother hilsa during the 22-day government ban on fishing, saying successful implementation will significantly boost production in the upcoming season.
Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Central Artificial Insemination Laboratory at the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm in Savar on Tuesday (8 October), the adviser said scientific data guided the decision to impose the ban from 4 to 25 October, coinciding with the full moon and new moon of the Bangla month of Ashwin—the key breeding season for hilsa.
“If we can protect mother hilsa during these 22 days, production will rise notably, as it did last year,” Farida said. “Hilsa output increased by 52% last season following the ban.”
She added that the government has been distributing 25 kilograms of rice per registered fisher as compensation during the ban period to reduce economic hardship and discourage illegal fishing.
Tackling ongoing challenges
Despite the gains, Adviser Farida acknowledged persistent threats to hilsa conservation, including the use of illegal fishing nets, the catching of jatka (juvenile hilsa), and river pollution.
“Some unscrupulous traders still pressure fishers to catch jatka for quick profits, undermining long-term sustainability,” she said. “We conduct regular drives with the Coast Guard, Navy, River Police, and local authorities to curb such practices.”
She also cited river navigability loss, pollution, and erratic rainfall caused by climate change as growing risks that demand integrated solutions for the country’s fisheries.
Boosting livestock and dairy output
Following her visit to the new insemination laboratory, Adviser Farida expressed satisfaction with its modern facilities and said proper use of the lab would help farmers access improved and hybrid cattle breeds.
“Enhanced breeding capacity will not only expand livestock productivity but also increase beef and milk output, strengthening the rural economy,” she added.
Farida emphasized that aligning scientific interventions with conservation efforts can ensure both food security and livelihood resilience for Bangladesh’s fishing and farming communities.
