An eight-month nationwide ban on catching, transporting, storing and selling juvenile hilsa, locally called jatka, took effect in Bangladesh on Sunday, November 1. The restriction will continue through June 30, 2027, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said.
The ban applies to hilsa shorter than 25 centimetres. Violations can result in penalties under the country’s fish conservation law, including imprisonment or fines.
Authorities plan increased monitoring of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters to prevent illegal fishing and the use of prohibited nets, with the Department of Fisheries coordinating with local administration and law enforcement agencies.
To support livelihoods during the restrictions, the ministry has announced rice assistance of 40 kilograms per month for eligible registered fishing families in 96 upazilas across 20 hilsa-producing districts.
Illustrative photograph.