Bhola, Nov 04 (V7N) — After a 22-day government-imposed fishing ban to protect young jatka and mother hilsa, fishermen are once again setting out to sea and rivers as the restriction ended at midnight on Sunday. With high hopes and thorough preparations, fishermen resumed their trade, aiming for bountiful catches.

For the past week, fishermen have been diligently preparing by repairing nets, trawlers, and boats. At Bhola’s largest fishing ports in Alipur and Mahipur, the final touches were completed as fishermen looked forward to resuming their livelihoods.

The ban, effective from October 13 to November 3, restricted the harvesting, transportation, and sale of fish across both rivers and seas. Bhola Fisheries Officer Biswajit Kumar Dev expressed optimism, stating that the fishermen would now be able to cast their nets in the Meghna and Tentulia rivers, hoping for a successful hilsa season to help them recover financially. He noted that the ban had been largely effective in protecting fish populations.

Hilsa researcher Dr. Anishur Rahman highlighted the migratory path of hilsa, explaining that for the fish to move from saltwater to freshwater, their route through brackish water needs to be unimpeded. "This time, conditions are favourable, and we expect a strong catch," he said, noting that the improved migration routes could enhance hilsa production in river systems.

As fishermen embark once again on their age-old tradition, communities across Bhola hope the season brings prosperity and plentiful catches to all.

END/MSS/AJ