HILSA (ILISH) FISH

• Hilsa is a highly nutritious fish and is particularly popular in West Bengal, where it holds the title of the state fish. It is primarily found in the Hooghly-Bhagirathi river system and the Bay of Bengal. Hilsa is an anadromous species, meaning it migrates from the ocean to freshwater rivers for breeding.

• Male and female Hilsa migrate together twice a year to rivers for reproduction, typically between mid-February to April and September to October.

• While Bangladesh is the largest producer of Hilsa globally, the country limits its export due to high domestic demand. However, during the Durga Puja festival, Bangladesh often lifts the export restrictions, allowing the fish to be available for Bengalis, for whom it is a culinary delicacy.

• Hilsa holds cultural significance for Bengalis, with Bangladesh designating it as the national fish. Although Hilsa is caught year-round, the monsoon season sees a surge in its availability, eagerly awaited by Bengalis in both India’s West Bengal and Bangladesh.

• Strict regulations in Bangladesh prohibit the sale of smaller Hilsa fish, making it rare to find them in markets.

• In recent times, imports of Hilsa from Bangladesh have declined, while shipments from Myanmar have increased. In the previous year, India imported 588.97 tonnes of Hilsa from Myanmar and 573.66 tonnes from Bangladesh. During 2022-23, the imports were 149.23 tonnes from Myanmar and 1,309.46 tonnes from Bangladesh

Hilsa conservation measures focus on preserving the species, managing fisheries, and ensuring sustainable practices to maintain population levels. Key conservation strategies include:

• Fishing Bans During Breeding Seasons: Many countries, including Bangladesh and India, impose seasonal bans on Hilsa fishing during peak breeding times. This prevents the overfishing of Hilsa when they migrate to rivers to spawn, allowing the species to reproduce without disruption.

• Size Regulations: Laws are enforced to restrict the capture and sale of juvenile Hilsa below a certain size. This ensures that young fish have time to mature and reproduce, sustaining the population.

• Sanctuaries and Protected Areas: Hilsa sanctuaries or protected zones are established in major river systems. These areas restrict fishing activities to allow Hilsa populations to thrive in their natural habitat without human interference.

• Awareness and Training for Fishermen: Governments and conservation agencies conduct educational programs to raise awareness among fishermen about sustainable fishing practices. Fishermen are encouraged to avoid catching undersized fish and to respect seasonal bans.

• Habitat Restoration: Efforts are made to restore and improve river habitats, which have been affected by pollution, dams, and other environmental factors. This helps create a better environment for Hilsa migration and breeding.

• Cross-border Cooperation: Given Hilsa’s migratory nature, countries like India and Bangladesh often cooperate on joint conservation efforts. This includes sharing data, monitoring stocks, and harmonizing fishing regulations.

• Enforcement of Laws and Penalties: Strict enforcement of conservation laws and imposition of penalties for illegal fishing help deter practices that threaten Hilsa populations