A 22-day ban on catching hilsa in rivers and the sea begins today to ensure unhindered breeding of mother hilsa, prompting fishermen to return from the deep sea to the Mohipur and Alipur fish landing centers in Patuakhali.
However, fishermen expressed disappointment as the fish have not yet developed eggs in their bellies, though they confirmed compliance with the government directive to abstain from hilsa harvesting.
Some fishermen demanded strengthened administrative surveillance in national maritime boundaries to prevent aggression from neighboring country fishermen during the ban, alongside an increase in incentive amounts and proper distribution among genuine fishers.
Panpotti fisherman Mohsin Howlader noted that implementing the ban before eggs form means many egg-bearing hilsa will still be found in rivers and sea estuaries when the ban lifts.
Panpotti fish market aratdar Riad Mridha urged strict surveillance against Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu entering territorial waters.
The hilsa restriction will run until October 30, with violators facing up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a 1 lakh taka fine, or both.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Masud Rahman, Galachipa (Patuakhali) Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
