Bangladesh launches project to stop Hilsha from drowning

Bangladesh has launched a project to increase the production of Hilsha by encouraging fishermen not to catch the national fish during the ban by providing them with alternative livelihoods.

The government bans Hilsha catch for certain periods in a year for proper breeding.

During the embargo, a fisherman is being compensated with 40 kilograms rice. But fishermen say they have to violate the law to earn livelihood.

The ‘Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh’ (ECOFISH) project aims to ensure their livelihood by encouraging alternative means during the ban, mostly by empowering women.

The Department of Fisheries will implement this five-year $15 million US-aided project by the WorldFish, an international research group.

Inaugurating the project on Wednesday, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque said the government had given “top priority” to implement an action plan for Hilsha conservation.

Creating five sanctuaries in Bangladesh’s major rivers, banning the use of electric net and other illegal gears were some of the measures, he said.

The production of Hilsha has been declining since 1970s, experts say, primarily due to overfishing, siltation, discharge of industrial effluents into rivers, and diversion of water in upper riparian region.

Still Bangladesh harvests 65 percent of the global Hilsha. Now it accounts for 11 percent of the country’s total catch and contributes 1 percent of the GDP.

“There is still a great deal to be done to improve the resilience of the Meghna River ecosystem and communities reliant on coastal fisheries”, US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat said, speaking at the project launch.

“These families suffer from chronic vulnerability to shocks and stresses.  Most do not enjoy three meals a day nor are they eating a balanced diet,” she said. 

The ECOFISH project that will be implemented in districts in southern Barisal region is expected to also improve fisheries science for decision making, and strengthen fisheries adaptive co-management. 

Local people will be advised on how to manage designated fish sanctuaries and marine protected areas.

The socio-economic vulnerability of fishing communities will be addressed by establishing savings schemes for extremely poor women, and offering long-term alternative income-generation opportunities for women.

The project will also introduce “value-added techniques and technologies to retain the highest possible value for each fish caught—and ensure that extra value remains in the community”.