Growth overfishing of hilsa shad in Hooghly-Bhagirathi river system, India: Assessment and management implications

Abstract

Juvenile fishing of the migratory hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822), is rampant in the coastal waters of northern Bay of Bengal and associated Hooghly-Bhagirathi river system. The average annual economic loss due to this was estimated at `497.84 million (around US$ 7.8 million) necessitating urgent need for managing it to maximise benefits from the fishery as it forms a major fishery resource in the region. Factors leading to juvenile fishing and the possible solutions to control the resultant biological and economic loss are discussed.