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An eight-month ban on the catching, transportation, storage, marketing and sale of juvenile hilsa, locally known as jatka, came into effect across Bangladesh on Sunday to boost hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation of the national fish.
The ban, effective from November 1, will remain in force until June 30, 2027, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The measure aims to protect juvenile hilsa during their growth period, preserve aquatic biodiversity and ensure a sustainable supply of the fish.
According to researchers at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), the 22-day Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign, conducted from October 8 to 29, has resulted in the birth of billions of new hilsa fry in rivers.
The juveniles are now found in coastal rivers, estuaries and tributaries.
Scientists say the fry, measuring around 3-5 centimetres in early November, grow by an average of 3-3.5 centimetres a month. If allowed to grow without interruption, they could reach 25-30 centimetres in length and weigh around 400 grams by May-June next year.
Under the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, catching, transporting, storing or selling hilsa measuring less than 25 centimetres (10 inches) during the ban period is a punishable offence.
The authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against the use of banned current nets, behundi nets, mosquito nets and monofilament synthetic nets.
Violators face one to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 500,000, or both, depending on the nature of the offence.
Mobile courts led by executive magistrates are operating round the clock in riverine districts and upazilas in coordination with the Department of Fisheries and local administrations.
A joint task force involving the armed forces and law enforcement agencies has also been formed to enforce the restrictions.
The Navy and Coast Guard have deployed special teams for round-the-clock patrols in the deep sea and coastal river estuaries using vessels and speedboats. River Police will maintain surveillance across the country’s six river sanctuaries.
The Rapid Action Battalion, police and Border Guard Bangladesh will also conduct special operations at land checkpoints, wholesale fish markets and cold storage facilities to prevent the illegal transportation and storage of jatka.
Meanwhile, the government has arranged food assistance for registered fishermen during the ban period to protect their livelihoods and ensure food security.
Under the Vulnerable Group Feeding programme, registered fishing families in 96 upazilas across 20 major hilsa-producing districts will receive 40 kilogrammes of rice free of charge every month.
Fisheries scientists say the autumn mother hilsa conservation campaign helps ensure reproduction, while the eight-month jatka protection programme allows the juveniles to grow and mature.
They believe the coordinated conservation measures are crucial to maintaining Bangladesh’s position as the world’s leading hilsa producer.