Fishery department tightens ban on fishing Ilish

A Correspondent

DHUBRI, Nov 3: Department of Fisheries, Government of Assam clamped ban on fishing of Ilish or Hilsa fish in four lower Assam districts from the month of October to December and April to June for better reproduction of this particular species of fish in the downstream of river Brahmaputra. The four districts where the ban stands are Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Goalpara and South Salmara- Mancachar.

 Director of Fishery Department, in his letter to Dhubri Deputy Commissioner stressed on the measures for conservation as well as protection in view of overfishing and over exploitation. The letter stated that Tenualosa Ilisha (Ilish, Hilsa, Hilsa herring or hilsa shad) is a species of fish of the herring family and very popular for its taste. It also stated that April is the most fertile month for breeding of this species of fish. The director also instructed the fishery departments of all the four districts to take action on the over fishing of juvenile Hilsa (less than 23 cm in length) for ensuring better reproduction of this species.  He also instructed to create awareness among the stakeholders by involving people living along the bank, local representatives, and local administration. It is worth mentioning here that price of Ilish or Hilsa had gone down to Rs. 200 to Rs.300 per kg in Dhubri markets in recent months due to over fishing since September this year, though its normal price is between Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200 per kg of different sizes and in different seasons.