Morelganj, Nov 17 (V7N)- In a Jatka (juvenile Hilsa) conservation campaign, authorities in Morelganj conducted a mobile court operation on the Panguchi and Baleshwar rivers, seizing 1,200 kg of Jatka Hilsa and 200,000 meters of illegal fishing nets. The confiscated nets were burned and incinerated, while the seized Hilsa was distributed to 15 orphanages.

The operation, led by Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Md. Nazmul Islam, began on Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning. The drive was carried out by the upazila administration in collaboration with the Fisheries Department to enforce the government ban on catching Jatka Hilsa, effective from November 1 to June 30. 
- Seized Items:
- 1,200 kg of Jatka Hilsa : Confiscated from the Kumarkhali area at the mouth of the Baleshwar River and distributed among orphans in 15 orphanages.
- 200,000 meters of illegal nets : Burned and incinerated at the Solambaria sand field.

- Legal Actions:
- Fines Imposed: A total of Tk 50,000 was collected from 10 fishermen in 10 cases.
- Fishing Boat Auctioned: A previously seized small fishing boat was sold for Tk 5,000, with the proceeds deposited into the government treasury.
- Fishermen Released on Bond: All 10 fishermen fined were released on bond after the penalties. 
The operation was spearheaded by Upazila Executive Officer Md. Nazmul Islam, supported by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Ranjit Kumar, Morelganj Coast Guard Contingent Petty Officer Manjur Hossain, and staff from the Fisheries Department. 
The Hilsa, Bangladesh's national fish, plays a crucial role in the country's economy and food security. Conservation campaigns aim to ensure the sustainable growth of Hilsa populations by protecting juvenile fish (Jatka) during their critical developmental stages. The government’s strict ban on Jatka fishing is enforced through such drives, coupled with awareness campaigns targeting local fishermen.

This operation highlights the collaborative efforts of local administration, fisheries officers, and the Coast Guard in preserving Bangladesh's aquatic resources and supporting underprivileged communities through resource redistribution.