Bangladesh sends warships to protect hilsa fish

Seventeen naval warships and patrol helicopters have been deployed for 24/7 surveillance to enforce the fishing ban and protect Bangladesh's hilsa fish.

People sell hilsa fish in Chattogram, Bangladesh in 2022 - Photo: THX

The Bangladesh Defense Force announced on October 4 that it has deployed warships and patrol aircraft in a special surveillance operation to protect hilsa fish, Bangladesh's national fish, from illegal fishing during the spawning season.

Bangladesh authorities said they have imposed a three-week fishing ban until October 25 to protect the fish's breeding grounds.

The Bangladesh Defence Force announced that 17 naval warships and patrol helicopters have been deployed for 24/7 surveillance to enforce the ban and protect the precious fish.

To compensate fishermen affected by the ban, the Bangladesh government has allocated 25 kg of rice to each family.

Hilsa fish is a popular dish in West Bengal, neighboring India. It can fetch up to 2,200 taka (about $18.40) per kilogram in Dhaka. Millions of people in Bangladesh depend on the fish for their livelihood.

Close-up of a hilsa fish - Photo: CAMBAY TIGER

Hilsa fish are a type of herring, can live in marine, fresh water, brackish water... They mainly eat algae and crustaceans.

During the breeding season, hilsa fish migrate upstream to spawn. As a result, they are often caught by fishing fleets in the brackish waters of the Ganges.

Overfishing of hilsa fish during the breeding season is depleting their resources, especially in a context where their habitat is already heavily affected by climate change.

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VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bangladesh-dieu-tau-chien-bao-ve-ca-hilsa-20251005193745828.htm