Fishermen and trawler owners in Chittagong are very happy as now they can net Ilish after the ban was lifted on July 23.
Even though fishermen are netting lots of Ilish, the price is still very high and beyond the reach of most people. Compared to the previous year, Ilish is being sold at a higher price which is affectiing the retail market.
Ilish, weighing between 800-900 grams was sold between Tk23,000 and Tk25,000 per maund and Ilish weighing 1kg or more was sold between Tk33,000-35,000 per maund.
Ilish weighing one kilogram was sold at Tk1200 at Reazuddin Bazar, which is just two kilometers off the Fishery Ghat.
Marine fishing boat owners’ association leader Aminul Haque Babul Sarker said, “It is a matter of great happiness for us that we are netting big sized Ilish fish this year. We are supplying the fish to more than 50 markets of the city and 14 upazilas of the district.”
He also added that the price will come down quite soon .
There are a total of 2400 registered fishermen in Chittagong. Of them, as many as 2000 fishermen are involved with netting Ilish fish, said sources at the district fisheries office.
Mominul Haque, District Fisheries officer told Dhaka Tribune that they undertook various initiatives in the district to raise awareness among the fishermen, traders and locals about protecting mother Ilish .
“The catch of Ilish has risen significantly this year due to better management during the fish spawning season, moreover intensified vigilance against Ilish catching during the ban period and increased frequency of drives against offenders have also helped the cause,” said the District Fisheries officer.
According to the ministry of fisheries and livestock, Ilish contributes to one per cent of the country’s total gross domestic product (GDP) and 11 per cent of the country's total fish production.
A total of half a million fishermen of the country are directly involved with Ilish netting. The livelihood of another 2 million people is involved with this fish.
