During June to October, the monsoon season, rivers in Barishal are expected to yield a large catch of hilsa, but this season, there has been a significant shortage. Despite regular fishing efforts, fishermen are returning empty-handed, and Barisal's wholesale hilsa markets are notably quiet.
Fisheries officials attribute the poor hilsa catch to unusually adverse weather conditions, which they claim are unprecedented. They remain hopeful, however, that hilsa will be caught in large numbers once the weather stabilises.
A visit to the port road in Barisal city on the morning of July 3 revealed empty wholesale shops. The hilsa that is available is priced exorbitantly: around Tk 2,000 per kilogram, Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,800 per kilogram for hilsa weighing 800 to 900 grams, and Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,250 per kilogram for hilsa weighing 500 to 800 grams.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the hilsa fishing season began on July 1. Typically, monsoon period is ideal for hilsa fishing in the rivers, and the markets should be full. However, labourers working in the fish processing areas are currently idle.
Shafiq, a worker on Port Road, reminisced about the past when hilsa was abundant and work was so constant that they barely had time to eat. Now, he and others find themselves with little to do due to the scarcity of fish. Iqbal, another worker, mentioned that they spend their time playing Ludo and Carrom because there is no hilsa to process.
Abdul Salam, a fisherman from Tumchar in Chandramohan Union of Barisal Sadar Upazila, stated that he has never seen such a scarcity of hilsa during the month of Asharh. He believes the increased water levels in the rivers are causing the nets to come up empty.
Md. Robin, manager of Dulal Fish on Port Road, explained that despite the current sea fishing ban until July 23, hilsa was typically caught in the local rivers of Barisal during this period. However, for the past couple of years, the catch has not met expectations, creating difficulties for traders, wholesalers, and workers.
Jahangir Kabir, a wholesale trader, observed that hilsa used to be plentiful by this time of year, but even a week into the peak season, the expected quantities have not materialised.
Dr Bimal Chandra Das, Fisheries Officer (Hilsa) of the Barisal Fisheries Department, confirmed that the hilsa shortage is affecting all rivers in the southern region, leading to high prices and limited availability.
He pointed out that the ongoing 65-day sea fishing ban, ending on July 23, leaves local rivers as the main source of hilsa. However, continuous rains and adverse weather have hampered catches.
Nirpenda Nath Biswas, deputy director of the Barisal division of the Department of Fisheries, iterated that the unusual weather patterns are to blame for the poor hilsa season. He remains optimistic that once the weather improves, hilsa will be caught in large numbers, bringing prices back within reach for the general population.
NMA