Hilsa fishing resumes in Meghna after 22 days ban

After the government imposed a 22-day Hilsa fishing ban on Saturday midnight, more than 56,000 fishermen returned to the Meghna River in the district. 

Major fishing Ghats, including Maju Choudhuri Hat Ghat, Motirhat, Ludhua, Chairman Ghat and Char Alexander, were bustling with buyers and sellers today morning (26 October).

Despite the renewed activity, fish prices have fallen compared to pre-ban levels. A one-kilogram Hilsa is being sold at Tk1,500–1,600, down from over Taka 2,000 before the ban. 

 Depending on size and quality, Hilsa is also being sold between Taka 800 and Taka 1,200 per kilogram.

Fishermen said that their catches were lower than expected, although they expressed relief at being able to return to work after the long hiatus. 

"We are happy to be back on the river, but the number of Hilsa in our nets is still low, and the prices are also not as high as before a fisherman said," a fisherman said.

Officials from the District Fisheries Office said 56,000 fishermen are dependent on the Meghna River for their livelihood. Of whom 43,000 are registered. 

About the ban, they said the 22-day fishing ban—from midnight on 4 October to midnight on 25 October—was enforced to protect mother hilsa during the breeding season and ensure the preservation of 'Jatka' (juvenile hilsa).

During the conservation campaign, authorities conducted more than 200 mobile court drives, penalising over 50 fishermen through fines and jail terms. They also seized around 16 lakh meters of illegal current nets and two metric tons of hilsa, which were later distributed to local orphanages. 

Additionally, 1,104 metric tons of rice were distributed among 44,000 fishermen under the government's VGF programmes, each receiving 25 kilograms.

 District Fisheries Officer said the campaign was successful and expressed optimism about the upcoming fishing season. "The mother Hilsa were able to lay eggs freely this year, which will contribute to higher production," he said. 

"Our production target is 23,000 metric tons, which is 500 metric tons more than last year."

With fishing now in full swing, the Meghna River once again echoes with the sounds of busy fishermen—hopeful for a bountiful season ahead despite the initial lower catches and prices.