Khulna, Oct 22 (V7N) – Despite a government-imposed ban on the collection, storage, and transportation of mother Hilsa during its breeding season, illegal fishing continues in the rivers of Khulna. The ban, in effect from October 4 to October 25, aims to protect the Hilsa population, but enforcement has faced significant challenges.

According to the Khulna District Fisheries Department, only 172 kilograms of Hilsa were recovered over the last 17 days during the campaign. The campaign covered nine upazilas, including 82 raids conducted by local naval police and coast guard personnel under the supervision of the Fisheries Department. Mobile courts were held only 31 times, fish ghats were inspected 84 times, awareness campaigns and warehouse inspections were conducted 150 times, and markets were checked 205 times. Additionally, 142,690 meters of fishing current nets were seized. However, no cases were filed, and no arrests were made during these operations.

Fishermen have reportedly been tipped off in advance through mobile phones, allowing them to evade daytime raids. Despite regular daytime inspections, illegal Hilsa fishing continues at night, with the catches reaching buyers early in the morning.

Md. Badruzzaman, Khulna District Fisheries Officer, said that in addition to daytime operations, sources have been deployed at multiple locations to monitor illegal fishing activities. “We are conducting night raids based on precise information, and upazila fisheries officials are patrolling regularly in coordination with the naval police,” he said.

Authorities emphasize the urgent need for stricter enforcement and community cooperation to ensure the protection of mother Hilsa, which is vital for sustaining the country’s fisheries and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

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