KR Digital Concept

Chandpur, Aug 14 (bdnews24.com) — Hilsa has become abundant in river Meghna in Chandpur with heavy rainfall over the past few days.

Although Hilsa is rare in the beginning of August, it has increased markedly in the last two days. Consequently, its price is also decreasing.

"More hilsa could be found if rains continue," senior scientist at Chandpur Branch of Fish Research Institute Mohammad Anisur Rahman told bdnews24.com.

A hilsa seller at Boro Station fish market Sohel Gazi told bdnews24.com that at least 1,200 maunds (1 maund = 37.3 kgs) of hilsa was caught there everyday.

"Price of hilsa per kg stands at Tk 500 and those weighing around 1.5 kg are sold at Tk 1000-1100, which is comparatively lower than the previous rates," he added.

Fish Trading Cooperative Society president Habibur Rahman Jomadar echoed the views.

Shah Alam Mollik, general secretary of Chandpur Country Fishing Boat Owners Union, told bdnews24.com that hilsa is collected at a greater quantity due to shower, river current and an increase of water level.

Most hilsa are caught at Nayar Hat at Haimchar Upazila, Char Bhairabi, Doulat Khan in Bhola, Char Fashion, Matihar in Lakkhipur and at Char Alexander, he said, pointing that "the number is less than that of the same time last year."

Fish seller Faruk told bdnews24.com that around 2,000 maunds of hilsa was caught last year and price was Tk 300 a kg.

Hilsa population has been decreasing because a large amount is caught prematurely despite bans. Besides, there are a number of other natural reasons like silt deposit and water pollution of Buriganga.

The fisheries and livestock ministry has banned all type of fishing from Chandpur's Shatnol to Lakkhipur's Char Alexander covering a 100 km stretch between March and April to allow fish full growth before they are caught.

The stretch has been declared a hilsa sanctuary of sorts since 2006.

Under the programme, 23,335 fishermen of Chandpur were given 30 kg rice each for four months since February.