ZCZC
BSS-33
HILSA-FISHERMEN-CATCH
Fishermen start catching hilsa tomorrow
DHAKA, Nov 4, 2020 (BSS) – Fishermen have completed preparations to start catching hilsa in the coastal areas from tomorrow as the 22-day government ban on fishing, selling, hoarding and transportation of the delicious fish came to an end today.
Fishermen in 27 districts, especially Bagerhat, Khulna, Barisal, Bhola, Chandpur and Cox’s Bazar have already prepared their trawlers and fishing nets to go to rivers and the Bay of Bengal where hilsa roam during this period, sources said.
The government imposed a ban on catching, selling, hoarding and transportation of hilsa in different rivers along the coastal region for 22 days from October 13 midnight to November 4 midnight to boost hilsa output through protection of the mother fish during its peak breeding season.
During the ban, Fisheries and Livestock Ministry conducted ‘mother hilsa conservation drive-2020’ in coastal areas to prevent fishermen from fishing of hilsa.
Members of Navy and the Coast Guard’s special monitoring teams worked to prevent catching of hilsa and boats were not allowed to ply spots in the rivers where mother hilsa roam during the breeding season.
The ban covered around 7,000 square kilometres area of rivers in 27 districts which were earmarked as the main breeding ground of hilsa, according to the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry.
Alam Hawlader, a fisherman and fish trader of Khulna Natun Bazar, said fishermen of the district’s coastal areas have taken preparations to go to the Bay of Bengal for catching hilsa from tomorrow.
“Our trawlers and nets are prepared to resume fishing of hilsa,” he said while talking to the reporter of Khulna office of BSS.
Halim, a fisherman of fish landing station in Barisal city, said they have taken preparation to go to the Bay of Bengal tomorrow to cash hilsa if the weather remains favourable.
Talking to Barisal correspondent of BSS, Kuakata Ashar Alo Matsajibi Jele Samabai Samiti general secretary Md Jamal Molla said they are going to the Bay of Bengal to catch hilsa tomorrow as the ban on fishing ends Wednesday midnight.
President of Mohipur Fish wholesaler Owners Association Md Fazlu Gazi said that they are expecting to catch large size hilsas in the Bay after the end of the 22-day ban on fishing.
BSS/Asg/ CORR/ZH/ TAN /GA/1820 hrs