Our national fish, hilsa, is not only a market product or a delicacy; it is ingrained in Bangladeshi literature, festivals, folklore, and rural life. Bengali pride in their cuisine has long been symbolized by a plate of steaming rice with mustard Hilsa curry. However, even during the busiest fishing season, the same Hilsa that used to swim in our rivers in large numbers are now becoming rarer. This scarcity is a national issue that requires immediate attention, scientific investigation, and a strong political resolve to be properly addressed. It is not only an issue of the economy or food supply.
The fish is noticeably missing from the markets, even though it is the height of Hilsa season. Shoals of Hilsa were supposed to return to Bangladesh's rivers and coastlines after a two-month fishing restriction enforced by the government. But that hope has evaporated in a flash. Fishermen are returning with almost empty nets from important Hilsa-producing zones such as Patharghata, Pirojpur, and Bhola. These waterways were once teeming with life, but now they only bring disillusionment and financial anguish.
After a full day of work, these fishermen, who formerly brought in baskets full of Hilsa, now frequently return with as few as four or five fish. Thousands of people's traditional means of subsistence are in danger. Deeper concerns have replaced the initial optimism that the absence of rainfall might be the only factor. Speaking with specialists and local populations reveals that this is a systemic breakdown brought on by environmental mismanagement, climate change, and regulatory inadequacies rather than a cyclical event.
The Department of Fisheries says rising temperatures and climate change are major factors in the current catastrophe. When temperatures rise beyond 30°C, hilsas, which are deep-water fish, tend to stay away from surface water. This year, the Hilsa only remained hidden in the colder depths, upsetting the regular fishing cycles, while parts of Bangladesh experienced temperatures above 36°C. Less rainfall and decreased river flow have also lessened the freshwater surge into the rivers, which is a major factor in Hilsa migration and reproduction.
This issue is made worse by the river's slow decline in depth. Many of the major estuaries have been choked by sandbars and shoals, known locally as chars. This is especially true in the Barisal region, which is home to seven major river mouths. These estuaries were once vital entry points for Hilsa swimming upstream, but sedimentation and uncontrolled dredging are now obstructing them.
Indiscriminate industrial activity exacerbates the ecological damage, particularly in the vicinity of sensitive coastal areas. For example, the Baleshwar, Bishkhali, and Payra rivers have been negatively impacted by the Taltali, Barguna coal-based power station. Massive sand extraction was necessary for the plant's development, which upset the area's fragile ecology and destabilized the riverbeds. In the Buragauranga and Agunmukha river basins, the Payra power plant has caused comparable harm.
Unrestrained fishing of young Hilsa, referred to locally as jatka, is one of the biggest dangers to Hilsa stocks. In spite of the government's efforts and rules to stop the collection of jatka, these juvenile fish are being freely marketed in marketplaces under the false pretense of "chapila." The normal regeneration cycle of the species is being seriously hampered by the millions of these young Hilsa being eaten before they can reproduce. It seems that the authorities lack the resources or are unwilling to strictly execute the rules.
Toxic chemicals are increasingly being used to entice and capture vast numbers of fish, which is concerning to fishermen. This method attracts large numbers of fish but kills all of them, including adults, youngsters, and even non-target species. Furthermore, the Hilsa population is being practically wiped out by the use of damaging equipment like stake nets and Chinese gill nets.
Hilsa was recognized internationally for its distinctiveness and worth in 2016 when it was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status as a product of Bangladesh. However, if significant action is not taken right away, all of this progress could be undone. Hilsa is already becoming more expensive because of its limited supply. In addition to burdening customers, this increases the discrepancy between supply and demand.
What then must be done? First, river dredging needs to be given top priority. Hilsa cannot migrate to spawn if navigability is not guaranteed, and production will continue to decline. For thousands of dependent fishing families as well as the fish, it is imperative that Hilsa's natural paths be restored.
Second, fishing laws need to be rigorously and consistently enforced. Prosecution of individuals who use chemicals and prohibited equipment is necessary, as is the prohibition of illegal fishing nets. Concurrently, the illegal jatka trade under the pretense of chapila needs to be eradicated via public awareness and surveillance.
Third, Bangladesh and India need to harmonize their regional policies. For sustained protection, Hilsa fishing and breeding seasons must be managed jointly.
Fourth, fisheries policy has to incorporate climate adaptation measures. To have a better understanding of temperature variations, migration patterns, and spawning times, research and forecasting techniques should be enhanced.
Lastly, river ecosystems cannot be sacrificed for industrial expansion. It is imperative that all riverine projects undergo mandated and transparent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Priorities in development planning that cannot be compromised include fish migration corridors, ecological balance, and river safety.
Unchecked exploitation, poor environmental management, and policy failure are the causes of the current Hilsa shortage during peak season. Before it's too late, Bangladesh needs to step up and defend this national asset.
In addition to our fishermen, we also owe it to our future generations to make sure Hilsa lives on in our folklore and can freely swim in the rivers that have long supported our people, land, and culture.
The writer is a contributor
