Strict Patrols on Bhola's Rivers to Protect Mother Hilsa; Legal Action if the Ban Is Violated
The Bangladesh Coast Guard's South Zone has taken a strict stance to protect mother hilsa during the main breeding season of hilsa. Regular operations, intelligence surveillance and patrols have been strengthened in coastal areas, including the Meghna and Tentulia rivers in Bhola, to implement the government ban.
Lieutenant Commander Jamilul Rahman, staff officer (operations) of the Coast Guard South Zone, gave this information at a press conference organised on Sunday afternoon at a fishing village in the Bholar Khal area of Shivpur, Bhola. The message was delivered by going to the fishermen's area itself, so that the reason for the ban and its timeframe remain clear to everyone.
At the press conference, he said intelligence surveillance has been increased on the rivers and the sea coast to successfully implement the hilsa conservation programme and enforce the ban. At the same time, round-the-clock patrol activities are ongoing, so that no one goes down to the river to fish during the ban period.
Not only operations — the Coast Guard is also working to raise awareness among fishermen. Through miking, leaflet distribution and discussion meetings, everyone is being called upon to obey the law. Through these activities, an effort is being made to convey the message that the benefits of conservation ultimately belong to the fishermen themselves.
The operations are being conducted in a coordinated manner. The Coast Guard is working in the field in coordination with the district administration, the fisheries department, other law enforcement agencies and related organisations. It was also stated that the process of taking strict legal action against those violating the ban is continuing.
Lt Commander Jamilul Rahman said, 'We believe today's conservation is tomorrow's abundance.' To report any irregularity, including violation of the ban to protect mother hilsa, he called upon the general public to call the Coast Guard's emergency service number 16111.
Incidentally, on the occasion of the main hilsa breeding season, the government has imposed a ban on catching all types of fish, including hilsa, in the Meghna and Tentulia rivers in Bhola from 8 October to 29 October. During this time, mother hilsa release their eggs, so ensuring undisturbed breeding is the main purpose of the ban.
These few weeks are extremely important for the fisheries sector. If breeding is successful, hilsa production increases, the direct benefit of which goes to fishermen and consumers. On the other hand, if fish are caught during the ban period, it takes a long time to make up that loss — it is on this reasoning that the administration speaks of a strict stance in the field.
The concerned administration and law enforcement agencies are working together to implement the ban. Alongside patrols and surveillance, awareness activities are also ongoing in the fishing villages, so that the tendency to obey the law voluntarily increases.
The ban period will end on 29 October. Until then, patrols and operations on the rivers will continue, the Coast Guard said. How successful this operation to protect mother hilsa is will be seen in its impact on next season's hilsa production.
