Dhaka:The Bangladesh Navy successfully concluded its 22-day 'Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2026', which was focused on safeguarding the breeding and reproduction of hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh, on Thursday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the campaign was initiated on October 8 under the 'In Aid to Civil Power' initiative, following a government directive. This effort saw the Navy perform 212 operations, resulting in the seizure of over 8.4 million metres of illegal fishing nets, 166 additional nets, four boats, and 570 kg of mother hilsa. Authorities also imposed fines totaling Tk 6,000.
The total estimated value of the confiscated items was Tk 61.18 crore. The Navy deployed seven ships and personnel across nine districts to maintain regular patrols and surveillance. In addition, ships and maritime patrol aircraft were utilized to prevent illegal fishing activities by both domestic and foreign vessels in the deep sea during the fishing ban.
Navy personnel, in collaboration with local administrations, law enforcement agencies, the Coast Guard, Naval Police, and the Department of Fisheries, conducted operations in the sea, coastal areas, and inland rivers, targeting major hilsa breeding grounds. Confiscated illegal fishing nets were destroyed in the presence of local administration officials, and recovered young hilsa were donated to local orphanages.
Individuals violating the fishing ban, along with their boats, were handed over to local authorities for legal proceedings. The Navy also carried out awareness campaigns to deter illegal fishing practices.
The Navy emphasized that such operations foster a conducive environment for the breeding and reproduction of hilsa, thereby boosting the country's hilsa production. With the conclusion of the ban, fishermen can now resume their activities, contributing to their livelihoods, while efforts to conserve and sustainably manage marine and inland fisheries resources persist.