Hilsa Fish Crisis: Hilsa is moving away from the plate, production is continuously decreasing and prices are out of control.

Hilsa Fish Crisis: Hilsa fish is not just a food item but is considered an important part of the culture, economy and tradition of Bengal and Bangladesh. This fish is found in a total of 11 countries around the world, out of which Bangladesh accounts for about 60 percent of the world’s total Hilsa production. But, in the last few years, a worrying figure has emerged regarding Hilsa. From fishermen to scientists, everyone is expressing concern over the fact that not only the production of Hilsa is decreasing but the average weight of the fish is also becoming much less than before. This is also directly affecting the market. Due to decreasing production, prices are increasing and Hilsa is gradually disappearing from the plates of common people.

The national fish of Bangladesh is Hilsa, also known as Ilish. According to Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Hilsa fish accounts for about 12 percent of the total fish production of the country, which is included in 1% of the GDP. But, in the last few years, many challenges are being faced to maintain the figure of Hilsa fish as before. Actually, in the year 2020, a 6-year plan was started to increase the production of Hilsa, which has now failed and now efforts are being made to start a new scheme at the government level to bring this production to the correct figure.

• In the year 2018, scientists of Bangladesh Agricultural University had achieved great success in understanding the entire life cycle of Hilsa fish. After this, it was hoped that it would help in conserving Hilsa, increasing its production and improving its quality. After this success, a new scheme was started in the year 2020, but within a few years its production has started decreasing.
• In view of the problem of depletion of Hilsa fish due to illegal fishing, the authorities started taking several steps from the year 2000. Under this, the government started banning fishing in the Bay of Bengal from 20 May to 23 July every year from 2015. Last year, the period of this ban was changed from 15 April to 11 June.
• Experts say that the production and weight of Hilsa fish is continuously decreasing, more research is needed to understand its reasons. He says that if this situation continues for two consecutive years, the production of Hilsa may almost stop.

What have been the production figures?

In the rivers and estuaries where once Hilsa weighing one to one and a half kilograms could be easily found in large numbers, now smaller and lighter fishes are more visible there. According to the information, the biggest reason for this is illegal fishing. Talking about the decline in production, while the production was 571,000 metric tons in the year 2022-23, it came down to 529,000 metric tons in 2023-24. If we talk about the figures of other years, the production of Hilsa fish in 2024-25 was 504,000 metric tons, while the estimated production in 2025-26 is 500,000 tons. Experts believe that if the right steps are not taken in time, this decline may accelerate further in the coming years, which will impact the livelihood of millions of fishermen and the regional economy.

Major reason for weight loss

Talking about the decreasing weight of Hilsa, according to reports, the average weight of Hilsa used to be around 500 grams 7 years ago, which has now come down to around 300 grams. The biggest reason behind the decreasing weight of Hilsa is believed to be the hunting of young fish. In the local language they are called ‘Jatka’. These are those small Hilsa which do not get a chance to fully develop and reproduce. Large quantities of jatka are being caught using illegal fine nets. Due to this, the fish reach the market before they become adults. At the same time, experts say that a large number of small Hilsa fish are being caught in the estuaries while going from the river to the sea. At the same time, excessive fishing is being done illegally in the sea. It is also affecting small fishes.

Prices are also increasing

As a result, the number of big and heavy Hilsa is continuously decreasing. At the same time, the demand for small Hilsa is also increasing in the market and due to less production, their prices are also increasing day by day. According to BBC report, Hilsa fish weighing about 900 to 950 grams is being sold at the price of 3,500 Taka per kg i.e. Rs 2700. At the same time, in the caravan market of Dhaka, the price of Hilsa fish weighing 800-900 grams is 2,000 Taka per kg i.e. more than Rs 1500. Apart from this, due to increasing pollution in river and sea, the production of Hilsa fish is also being affected. The chances of survival of Hilsa eggs and young in polluted water reduces.

What do experts say?

Molla Amdadullah, Project Director of Hilsa Resource Development and Management, It has become necessary to further increase monitoring in rivers and seas to protect Hilsa fish. According to Dr. Anisur Rahman, researcher associated with the project, there is a need for more in-depth research to understand the real reasons for the decline in the production and weight of Hilsa fish. He also says that if small Hilsa (Jatka) does not get a chance to grow, then how will we get bigger and better fishes. If this situation continues for two years, Hilsa production may be affected to a great extent and may almost stop.