Despite a government ban on catching juvenile hilsa, the market in Kolkata is currently flooded with khoka (juvenile) hilsa weighing less than 200gm. This has led to disappointment among hilsa traders and fishermen in Kolkata and its surrounding markets. Many people in Kolkata were eagerly awaiting the arrival of hilsa to adorn their plates with this popular fish, but their hopes have been dashed this time. At the beginning of the season, people visited the market only to find that the available hilsa did not match their desired size and price.
Amar Das, a fish trader at Lake Market, expressed his frustration over the absence of mature hilsa in the market. “As a result, we have been forced to shift our focus to Pomfret, another type of fish,” said Das. At the start of the season, some fishermen and suppliers are highlighting the alarming situation. Despite the efforts of fisheries authorities, administration and ministers, the illegal catching of juvenile hilsa continues. Furthermore, hilsa weighing between 150gm-250gm is being sold in the markets of Kolkata and districts, including Behrampore and Nadia.
This unexpected influx of juvenile hilsa in the market raises concerns about the methods employed to catch these fish. Many fishermen using grill nets fail to adhere to the correct measurement standards, capturing hilsa above the legal size limit of 90 cm. This practice goes against regulations that aim to protect juvenile fish. Additionally, troll nets, which are prohibited within 12 nautical miles of the coastal area, are still being used.
The lack of effective monitoring exacerbates these irregularities, enabling fishermen to continue catching juvenile hilsa. Experts warn that unsustainable fishing practices will not only deprive people of hilsa but also impact the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen. While neighbouring Bangladesh has implemented stricter laws to protect hilsa and witnessed an annual catch of approximately 6 lakh tons, West Bengal has seen a decline in hilsa catch over the years. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and ensure the sustainability of the hilsa population, said traders.
Efforts are being made by the department of fisheries (marine), the police, and fishermen associations to curb these unsustainable practices. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of coming together to preserve the hilsa population and ensure its availability for future generations. The decline in hilsa catch in Bengal over the years is evident, with only 20,000 tonnes caught in 2022 compared to 62,000 tonnes in 2003. In contrast, Bangladesh has been able to maintain an average annual catch of 6 lakh tonnes. Experts pointed out that it is crucial to address the issue of unsustainable fishing practices and take necessary actions to protect the hilsa population.