The hilsa population in the Ganga estuary is facing a severe threat due to unsustainable fishing practices, with a significant rise in the capture of juvenile hilsa, weighing between 50 and 200 grams. These young fish, being brought in by trawlers using fine mesh nets, are causing substantial damage to the Hilsa ecosystem. This practice is considered by experts to be a shortsighted and destructive approach that could have long-term repercussions on the Hilsa population.
In the markets across the city, there has been a noticeable increase in the sale of these juvenile hilsa. Despite the presence of larger hilsa, weighing between 400 and 600 grams, their numbers remain low compared to the influx of smaller fish. Recently, an average of 130 trawlers have been bringing in hauls that are predominantly composed of juvenile hilsa, accounting for 80% of the catch. The remainder consists of larger hilsa and other fish. Although there has been a slight increase in the catch of larger hilsa recently, the overall trend is worrisome.
Ajed Ali Gaji, a local fisherman, shared his concerns, explaining that the economic pressures faced by fishermen, especially during the fishing ban period from April 15 to June 14, have driven them to resort to unsustainable practices. During the ban period, many fishermen were left without income, leading some to illegally fish in the India-Bangladesh river border areas during Eid, taking advantage of the relaxed patrols. According to Gaji, around 130 trawlers have been bringing in 2.5 to 3 quintals of juvenile hilsa daily, which are then distributed to various markets including Namkhana, Kakdwip, and Patharpratima, ultimately reaching Diamond Harbour’s Nagendra market and even other regions like Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas.
Bijon Maity, secretary of the Kakdwip Fishermen Association, has expressed strong opposition to the capture of juvenile fish. Despite warnings and discussions, some fishermen continue this practice in secret. Maity, along with Jagannath Sarkar, secretary of Diamond Harbour Hilsa Market, has called for stricter enforcement to stop the buying and selling of small fish. Sarkar emphasized the need for immediate action to address this issue.
Debasish De, principal scientist at the Kakdwip Research Centre of ICAR, the Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture, highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations, particularly the use of 90 cm or 90 mm net mesh, to prevent the capture of juvenile hilsa. He stressed the need for increased awareness and the enforcement of restrictions during key migration periods in Hilsa, which occur from October 15 to November 15 and from the end of February to the end of March. De pointed out that similar restrictions should be applied as those during the current fishing ban period to protect the Hilsa population during these critical times.
The continued use of bottom-trawling with fine mesh nets poses a persistent threat to the Hilsa population in the Ganga estuary. Unless sustainable fishing practices are adopted and enforced, the long-term viability of this important species remains in jeopardy.