Hilsa catching stops today for 10 days

14 October 2009, 17:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Photo: Star File Photo

Hilsa catching has been banned in 7,000 square kilometers of water areas in coastal belt, estuary and rivers for 10 days from today so that mother hilsa from sea can release eggs smoothly during this peak breeding period. The areas where the restriction imposed by the government will be in force include Uttar Tazumuddin to Paschim Syed Awalia under Bhola district, Latachapli of Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district, Shaherkhali to Haitkandi under Chittagong district and Uttar Kutubdia to Gondamara under Cox's Bazar district. Bankim Chandra Biswas, assistant director of divisional fisheries department, said October 15 to October 24 is breeding season of hilsa. Mother hilsa in large numbers from sea come to the coastal waters during this period to release eggs. He said fisheries department, local administration, navy and coastguards will execute the official order issued recently, banning hilsa catching. Fishermen here said hilsa will be available in the sea if mother hilsa can release eggs smoothly in coastal waters during the peak period. The fishermen along with nets and trawlers have started returning to their respective areas due to the restriction. BSS adds: Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and livestock Sharful Alam while addressing a press conference in Dhaka yesterday said hilsa production stood around 2.88 lakh tonnes in 2008-09 fiscal year. “The production has to be raised to 3 lakh tonnes in 2009-10 fiscal year to meet the growing demand for protein in the country,” he said. The department of fisheries organised the press conference on the eve of a 10-day drive to preserve the hilsa breeding places.