Barishal: Following the rest of the country, the Department of Fisheries has imposed a two-month ban on all types of fishing in Hilsha sanctuaries in Barishal. Starting from Sunday, this prohibition on catching Hilsha and all other types of fish will remain in effect until next April 30 in five sanctuary areas across Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola, and Chandpur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Navy, Naval Police, Coast Guard, and the Department of Fisheries will conduct operations in the 82-kilometer sanctuary area stretching from Charamnai Junahar area in Barishal Sadar upazila to Shatnol in Chandpur to implement the sanctuary ban and the jatka (juvenile Hilsha) conservation programme. This two-month fishing ban is enforced annually in these sanctuaries to allow jatka to mature into full-grown Hilsha. The law stipulates penalties of up to two years in prison and financial fines for fishing in sanctuary areas in violation of the ban.
The Department of Fisheries stated that during the ban period, food assistance will be provided to 2,34,421 fishing families in 6 districts of the Barishal division. Among them, 44,736 registered Hilsha fishermen from 10 upazilas in Barishal district will receive support. Fishermen in Barishal mentioned that they become unemployed during the ban period, causing financial hardship. They allege that if the food assistance rice does not arrive on time, many fishermen are forced to go fishing in the rivers. Many genuine fishermen complain they have not received rice or fisherman identity cards. They demand that food aid and ID cards be distributed to actual fishermen.
The District Fisheries Officer of Barishal, Dr. Md Hadiuzzaman, said that the ban will be strictly enforced to increase Hilsha production. “Strict legal action will be taken against anyone caught fishing for Hilsha in violation of the law. Special arrangements, including speedboats and launches, have been made for patrolling day and night, particularly in the Hijla and Mehendiganj upazilas.” The Assistant Director of the Divisional Fisheries Office in Barishal, Md. Anisuzzaman, said that all-out measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the sanctuaries in the Barishal division.