Chandpur:The hilsa sanctuaries have become unusually quiet as a 22-day fishing ban has commenced to protect spawning hilsa. This measure aims to secure the future of this iconic fish species by prohibiting the catching, selling, transporting, and hoarding of hilsa from October 8 to October 29.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ban in the 70-kilometer hilsa sanctuary of the Padma-Meghna river system in Chandpur started on Thursday. This initiative is intended to ensure the safe spawning of mother hilsa. On the first day, both the Meghna River and major fish landing centers in Chandpur were noticeably empty.
At the confluence of the three rivers at Borostation, Tilabari, and the launch terminal, no fishing boats were present. Members of the district fishermen's association were actively using loudspeakers from boats to inform fishermen about the restrictions.
The usually bustling country's major fish landing center at Borostation was largely deserted. In contrast to the previous day, when wholesale and retail hilsa trading was in full swing, most fish depots were closed or empty. Workers were seen cleaning and settling accounts instead.
The district task force has ordered all ice factories in the city to remain closed during the ban. However, the sale of farmed fish from domestic water bodies is not restricted.
Akbar Ali Bepari, a hilsa trader at the landing center, shared that he arrived at his depot at the usual time on Thursday but found little work, with many traders and workers cleaning their depots. Normally, over 100 workers are involved in hilsa trading activities at the landing center. On Thursday, they were seen idling around the depots.
Workers Solaiman and Anisur Rahman expressed their reluctance to stay home despite having no work, noting that they would remain unemployed during the ban.
Mirza Omar Faruk, senior fisheries officer of Chandpur Sadar upazila, stated that three teams, including the district task force, Bangladesh Navy, and Coast Guard, are enforcing the ban around the clock. Operations span from Shatnal in Matlab Uttar upazila to Charbhairabi in Haimchar upazila.
The ban, effective until midnight on October 29, prohibits all activities related to hilsa and other fish types from the Padma-Meghna rivers. Violators face imprisonment and fines.
In Rajbari, fisheries officials seized 500 meters of illegal current nets and 90 China Duari nets from the Padma River as part of the protection campaign. Led by fisheries officer Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the operation involved local authorities and resulted in the destruction of the seized nets.
In Natore, a hilsa conservation campaign has started to protect mother hilsa and ensure sustainable fisheries resources. The government has provided food assistance to 750 fishing families along the Padma River to discourage hilsa catching during the conservation period. Violators risk imprisonment or fines.
District Fisheries Officer Md Omar Ali mentioned that the 15-kilometer stretch of the Padma River in Natore, along with local markets, will remain under surveillance. Mobile courts will be used to enforce the conservation measures when necessary. Awareness campaigns are active through various media to educate the public on the importance of hilsa protection.