In Kolkata, a sudden increase in the capture of juvenile hilsa, locally known as “khoka ilish,” has raised alarms among fish conservators and scientists, sparking fears that the prized hilsa fish might face extinction in the region’s estuary. The small hilsa, weighing between 20g and 100g, are flooding markets in Diamond Harbour and Kakdwip, not for direct human consumption, but as crucial feed for larger fisheries (bheri).
Priced between Rs 30 to Rs 130 per kg, these young hilsa are being utilized to nourish other fish species in fisheries across Bengal, as farm fish apparently exhibit faster growth on a hilsa diet.
Despite being a vital component of the local ecosystem, the rampant and indiscriminate catching of these small hilsa poses a serious threat to their population. Efforts, including intermittent closures for increased vigilance, have had limited success in curbing illegal captures.
The lack of awareness among fishermen, coupled with administrative inactivity, has contributed to an alarming surge in the unchecked capture of juvenile hilsa, acknowledged fisherman associations.
Debashish De, principal scientist & head at Kakdwip Research Centre, ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, stressed the urgent need to recognize the gravity of the situation for the sake of future generations.
Bijon Maity, secretary of the Kakdwip Fishermen Association, expressed deep concern, noting that fishermen are exceeding territorial boundaries and venturing into areas beyond Bengal, even encroaching into Bangladesh’s jurisdiction, to catch hilsa.
South 24 Parganas DM Sumit Gupta pledged to liaise with relevant authorities and take appropriate action. Jagannath Sarkar, secretary of the Nagendra Bazar Hilsa Market, emphasized the necessity of enforcing the fishermen’s right not to sell these crucial juvenile fish.
De shed light on the extensive breeding zone from Sultanpur to Falta and highlighted the worrisome trend of mature hilsa not entering the zone for two years, indicating a grim future for the species. He proposed reinstating a ban period, one week before and after Lakshmi Puja.
Source: Times of India