Noakhali fishers face hilsa shortage despite peak season

NOAKHALI, Sept 8:  Despite the peak hilsa season, Noakhali is experiencing a shortage of the prized fish, with traders and buyers saying supplies are far below the expected level.

As a result, hilsa is being sold at steep prices in local markets.

At Chairman Ghat, known as a major hilsa landing station in Hatiya Upazila, scores of boats return from the river with fish early every morning. The landing stations then become busy with unloading, sorting, auctions and sales.

However, the usual bustle of the peak season is largely missing this year. Fewer baskets of hilsa are arriving at the wholesale markets, while supplies have declined. Although hilsa is available, prices remain high.

According to the District Fisheries office, around two crore hilsa are expected to be caught every year. However, most of the district's 36 lakh residents cannot afford the fish.

Hilsa is currently selling for Tk 2,000-3,000 per kg, nearly double the price recorded two years ago.

Buyers and traders are frustrated. At this time of year, the landing stations would normally draw thousands of buyers. Now, however, supplies are low and prices are high.

Many people come to buy hilsa but return empty-handed. Some are buying smaller fish, while others are opting for different varieties instead.

Wholesalers and traders alleged that hilsa stocks are declining in the rivers due to the continued use of banned current nets to catch jatka and other small fish, as well as mother hilsa during the breeding season.

They alleged that inadequate enforcement by the administration has allowed the practice to continue.

Catching young hilsa before they mature is reducing the number of breeding fish, they said.

Traders said they want hilsa to return to the rivers in larger numbers.

“If there is plenty of hilsa, fishers will survive, traders will survive and consumers will be able to buy fish at reasonable prices. Now, the shortage of hilsa has left thousands of people without work, while traders are suffering losses worth crores of taka,” they said.

District Fisheries Officer Harun-or-Rashid said regular drives are being conducted to protect hilsa.

“Alongside enforcing laws to protect jatka and mother hilsa, we are raising awareness among fishers. Anyone found catching hilsa in violation of the ban will face legal action,” he said.