Jatka fishing banned for a week from tomorrow

The government has imposed a weeklong ban on catching jatka (juvenile hilsa) from tomorrow (7 April) as part of Jatka Conservation Week, aimed at boosting hilsa production and ensuring its conservation.

The ban will remain in effect until 13 April, covering all rivers and seas across the country.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced the measure at a press conference held at his ministry today (6 April).

The minister said the government is firmly committed to increasing sustainable hilsa production and making the fish affordable for ordinary people through coordinated efforts of the ministry and the Department of Fisheries. Key measures include protecting jatka and breeding hilsa, enforcing seasonal fishing bans, establishing sanctuaries, and implementing fisheries laws effectively.

He noted that due to these initiatives, hilsa production has been increasing steadily, reaching 500,000 tonnes in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

However, maintaining this growth remains a major challenge due to river siltation, climate change, water pollution, and increasing pressure on fisheries resources, he added.

Highlighting its economic importance, Rashid said hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh and plays a vital role in the economy.

It is deeply connected to the country's culture and heritage, contributes to nutrition, creates employment, supports fishermen's livelihoods, and sustains the rural economy, he said.

"Hilsa accounts for about 9.79% of the country's total fish production and nearly 1% of GDP. More than 80% of the world's hilsa is caught from Bangladesh's rivers, estuaries, and seas, placing the country at the top among 11 hilsa-producing nations.

"Bangladeshi hilsa is also recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Around 600,000 people are directly involved in hilsa fishing, while 2 to 2.5 million people are engaged indirectly in transportation, marketing, net and boat making, ice production, processing, and export."

With Pahela Baishakh approaching, he said the Department of Fisheries has been tasked with finding ways to balance prices from producers to consumers so that hilsa remains affordable.

On river dredging, he said the government has undertaken canal and river excavation programmes. He also noted that locations involved in the production of illegal fishing nets have been identified and action will be taken.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said that during the conservation week, 40,000 fishermen will receive essential goods worth Tk6,000 over two months, including rice, lentils, flour, salt, sugar, and potatoes.

He added that members of parliament have been instructed to provide additional support if needed.