Eight-month nationwide ban on jatka fishing takes effect

A nationwide eight-month restriction on catching, transporting, storing, marketing, and selling juvenile hilsa—locally known as jatka—took effect today to increase hilsa yields, protect aquatic biodiversity, and support national protein supply.

In a press release, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock stated that the directive, covering both wholesale and retail trade, began on 1 November and will remain in force through 30 June 2027.

According to long-term field data from researchers and scientists at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), billions of hilsa fry were spawned across the country’s rivers during the recent 22-day "Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2026", which ran from 8 to 29 October. These young fish are now moving through coastal rivers, estuaries, and tributaries.

Biological assessments by scientists show that the fry measure between 3 and 5 centimetres at the start of November and grow by an average of 3 to 3.5 centimetres a month. Allowing them to mature undisturbed over the eight-month ban period is expected to yield commercially viable hilsa measuring 25 to 30 centimetres and weighing roughly 400 grams by May or June next year.

The ministry noted that violations of the ban carry strict penalties under fish conservation regulations. Offenders face one to two years of rigorous imprisonment, an immediate fine of up to Tk 5 lakh (Tk 500,000), or both, depending on the gravity of the offence.

To enforce the restrictions on the ground, a joint task force comprising the armed forces and law enforcement agencies has been formed to work alongside the Department of Fisheries (DoF). Additionally, mobile courts led by executive magistrates are operating around the clock across riverine districts and upazilas in coordination with the DoF and local administrations to penalise violators immediately.

Source: BSS