Carp brood fish release early sample eggs in Halda River, signalling start of spawning season
Each season, between 500 and 700 collectors gather along the river to harvest fertilised eggs
Brood fish of major carp species have released sample eggs at several points along the Halda River, indicating the early phase of the annual breeding season at the country's only natural fish spawning ground.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries confirmed that brood fish of species such as rohu, catla, mrigel and kalabaush released small quantities of eggs at three to four locations in Raozan and Hathazari areas this morning and noon (30 April).
The phenomenon was observed in areas, including Noyahat under Gordaoyara union, Azimer Ghat in West Gujra, and Napiter Ghat, where local egg collectors reported obtaining between 100 and 200 grams of sample eggs in the morning.
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Some fishermen said the amount increased to around one to one-and-a-half kilograms during the midday high tide.
Fisheries officials said April to July marks the peak breeding season for carp species in the Halda, with spawning typically triggered by thunderstorms and upstream hill runoff.
Each season, between 500 and 700 collectors gather along the river to harvest fertilised eggs, although their number has declined in recent years due to falling yields.
Muhammad Tofazzal Hossain, senior fisheries officer of Raozan, said officials are monitoring the situation closely.
"Collectors have reported receiving small quantities of sample eggs in several spots. We expect full-scale spawning during the next tidal cycles," he said, adding that teams from local administrations are assisting collectors under district supervision.
Researchers say the appearance of sample eggs is a strong indicator that full-scale spawning is imminent.
Halda researcher and vice-chancellor of BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Md Manzoorul Kibria, said brood fish often release small quantities of eggs before the main spawning event.
"These sample eggs are released due to pressure from tides or lightning activity. It signals that full spawning is approaching," he said.
He added that peak spawning is likely during the upcoming new moon and full moon tides in June, when conditions are most favourable.
According to the fisheries department, collectors harvested around 14,000 kg of fertilised eggs from the Halda last year, significantly lower than the record 25,000 kg recorded in 2020.
Officials said favourable weather conditions, including rainfall and upstream runoff during high tide, could trigger a larger spawning event in the coming days.
