Bangladesh imposes 22-day Hilsa fishing ban for breeding season

A 22-day ban on fishing has commenced in Bangladesh to protect Hilsa fish during their breeding season. The moratorium, effective from midnight on October 7 until October 29, covers significant riverine and maritime areas, including a 100-kilometer stretch of the Padma and Meghna rivers from Lakshmipur to Chandpur.

During this period, the catching, transporting, storing, and marketing of Hilsa is strictly prohibited. Violators face potential imprisonment of up to two years, fines, or both. To support affected workers, the government has initiated the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program, providing 25 kg of rice to over 42,000 registered fishermen in certain districts, though some local fishers have raised concerns regarding the accuracy of registration lists.

Implementation faces several challenges. In the Barisal division, fisheries officials report a decline in Hilsa catches compared to last year, with 65,364 metric tons harvested in the last three months versus 75,331 metric tons during the same period last year. Authorities have noted shortages in manpower and funding to monitor the vast river areas. Meanwhile, local fishermen expressed economic distress, noting that declining fish stocks have led to significant debt and loss of livelihoods over recent years.