2-Month Ban on Hilsa Fishing Begins Tuesday

A two-month government ban on hilsa catching, selling, hoarding, and transporting began Tuesday, with a view to boosting its production. 

The ban that covers hilsa sanctuaries in six districts -- Barishal, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Bhola, Shariatpur, and Patuakhali -- will be lifted on May 1, the government said on Monday, reports UNB. 

The sanctuaries are 100km in the Meghna River from Chandpur’s Shatnol to Laxmipur’s Char Alexander, 90km in Shahbazpur Channel in Bhola, 100km in Tentulia River in Bhola, 20km in Naria and Bhederganj Upazilas in Chandpur district, and 82km in Hizla, Mehendiganj and Barishal Sadar Upazilas, Gazaria and the Meghna river.

During this period, anyone caught catching, selling, hoarding, and transporting hilsa will face up to two years in jail or a fine of Tk 5,000.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has already allocated 80kg of rice for the registered fishermen during this ban period.

Hilsa has the highest contribution to the country's fish production as the single fish species.

Every year, the government imposes a two-month ban on catching, selling, hoarding, and transporting hilsa to boost its production.