Hilsa scarcity: A wake-up call

Hilsa -- our national fish -- is not merely a delicacy or a market commodity; it is deeply embedded in Bangladesh's cultural identity, folklore, festivals, literature, and rural life. A plate of steaming rice with mustard Hilsa curry has long been a symbol of Bengali culinary pride. Yet, today, the same Hilsa that once swam abundantly in our rivers is becoming increasingly scarce, even during the peak fishing season. This scarcity is not only a matter of food supply or economy -- it is a national concern demanding immediate attention, scientific scrutiny, and a strong political will to address duly.

Despite being in the heart of the Hilsa season, the fish is notably absent from the markets. Following a two-month government-imposed fishing ban, it was expected that shoals of Hilsa would once again grace the rivers and coasts of Bangladesh. That optimism, however, has quickly dissolved. Fishermen from major Hilsa-producing zones like Bhola, Pirojpur, and Patharghata are returning with nearly empty nets. Once these waters teemed with life; now, they yield only disappointment and economic despair.

These fishermen, who once brought in baskets brimming with Hilsa, now often return with as few as four to five fish after a full day of labor. The traditional livelihood of thousands is under threat. The initial hope that lack of rainfall might be the sole cause has given way to deeper fears. Conversations with local communities and experts reveal that this is not a cyclical phenomenon; it is a systemic breakdown caused by climate, environmental mismanagement, and regulatory gaps.

According to the Department of Fisheries, the ongoing crisis is closely tied to climate change and rising temperatures. Hilsas are deep-water fish and tend to avoid surface water when temperatures soar above 30°C. This year, with much of Bangladesh enduring temperatures beyond 36°C, the Hilsa simply stayed hidden in the cooler depths, disrupting traditional fishing cycles. The combination of less rainfall and reduced river flow has further reduced the freshwater surge into the rivers -- a key trigger for Hilsa migration and breeding.

Compounding this problem is the gradual loss of river depth. Shoals and sandbars (locally called chars) have choked many of the major estuaries, particularly in the Barisal region which is home to seven major river mouths. Once the crucial gateways through which Hilsa would swim upstream, these estuaries are now being blocked by sedimentation and unregulated dredging.

The ecological disruption is worsened by indiscriminate industrial activities, especially around sensitive coastal areas. For instance, the coal-based power plant in Taltali, Barguna, has severely affected the Baleshwar, Bishkhali, and Payra rivers. The plant's construction required massive sand extraction, which destabilized the riverbeds and disrupted the delicate ecosystem of the region. Similar damage has been caused by the Payra power plant in the Buragauranga and Agunmukha river basins.

These power plants not only cause environmental degradation but also affect aquatic life through vibrations from heavy machinery and coal-carrying ships. When key migration and spawning routes are blocked or disturbed, Hilsa cannot complete their life cycle, resulting in declining catches.

Another striking issue is the lack of coordination between regional countries sharing the same ecosystem. In India, Hilsa breeding season is designated from mid-April to mid-June. However, in Bangladesh, it officially begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of August. Since both countries share the same maritime zones, such discrepancy is scientifically flawed and administratively dangerous. During Bangladesh's fishing ban, thousands of Indian trawlers are reported to enter Bangladeshi waters illegally, catching fish at a time when Bangladeshi fishermen are grounded. This not only undermines conservation efforts but also creates a serious economic imbalance.

One of the gravest threats to Hilsa stocks is the unchecked fishing of juvenile Hilsa, known locally as jatka. Despite the government's initiatives and regulations to prevent jatka harvesting, these baby fish are being sold openly in market under the misleading name "chapila." Millions of these juvenile Hilsa are being consumed before they can breed, severely hampering the natural regeneration cycle of the species. The authorities appear to be either under-resourced or unwilling to enforce the laws strictly.

More alarmingly, fishermen report the growing use of toxic chemicals to attract and catch fish in large quantities. This technique lures fish in bulk but kills them indiscriminately -- juveniles, adults, and even non-target species. Additionally, the use of destructive gear such as Chinese gill nets and stake nets is practically decimating Hilsa population.

Hilsa is not just a fish -- it is an economic pillar. The fish contributes over 1 per cent  to the national GDP. From FY 2008-09, when Hilsa production stood at 299,000 metric tons, it climbed to 571,000 metric tons in FY 2022-23 -- an 83 per cent increase over 12 years. These gains were made possible through targeted government initiatives, including raising food aid (VGF) to fishermen during the off-season and enforcing seasonal bans.

In 2016, Hilsa received Geographical Indication (GI) status as a Bangladeshi product -- international recognition of its uniqueness and value. Yet all this progress is at risk if meaningful action is not taken immediately. Already, the price of Hilsa is rising due to limited supply. This not only burdens consumers but also widens the gap between demand and availability.

So, what needs to be done?

First, the dredging of rivers must be prioritised. Without ensuring navigability, Hilsa cannot migrate to spawn, and production will keep falling. Restoring the natural routes of Hilsa is critical not only for the fish but for thousands of dependent fishing families.

Second, enforcement of fishing regulations must be strict and unrelenting. Illegal fishing nets must be banned, and those using chemicals and banned gear must face prosecution. Simultaneously, the black-market trade in jatka under the guise of chapila must be destroyed through surveillance and public awareness.

Third, there must be regional policy harmonisation between Bangladesh and India. A joint management framework for Hilsa fishing and breeding seasons is essential for sustainable conservation.

Fourth, climate adaptation strategies must be integrated into fisheries policy. Research and forecasting tools should be improved to better understand temperature fluctuations, migration behaviors, and spawning timings.

Finally, industrial development must not come at the cost of river ecosystems. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) must be made mandatory and transparent for any riverine project. River safety, ecological balance, and fish migration corridors must be non-negotiable priorities in development planning.

The current scarcity of Hilsa in peak season is not a random natural event -- it is the product of policy failure, environmental mismanagement, and unchecked exploitation. Bangladesh must rise to the occasion to protect this national treasure before it's too late.

We owe it not only to our fishermen but to our future generations to ensure that Hilsa remains more than just a memory in our folklore, and continues to swim freely in the rivers that have nourished our land, people, and culture for centuries.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com