Upstream migration of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) towards Hakaluki haor: A case study

Abstract

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery contributes around 1% to the national GDP of Bangladesh. Basedon a fieldwork the study explored the underlying causes and pathways of Hilsa migration towards HakalukiHaor and status of Hilsa fishing. To collect empirical data a number of qualitative tools such as interviews,focus group discussion and oral history from different stakeholders were employed. The study identified,though unusual fisher have been netting Hilsa abundantly on early monsoon in Hakaluki haor since 2016. Dueto flash flood in the Hakaluki Haor and storm water flows down to the Meghna River through KushiyaraRiver, hilsa swims against the tide and enters into Hakaluki Haor from the upper Meghna river system. Earlyflash flood, storm water flows and government’s initiative of imposing ban on Hilsa fishing during spawningseason in upper Meghna sanctuary were found to be the major causes of migration towards Hakaluki Haor.As impose of ban on fishing of Hilsa increased the total production, abundance of Hilsa in Hakaluki Haor actas an indicator of total inland Hilsa production in Bangladesh. The weight of Hilsa species caught fromHakaluki varied from 200 g to 900 g and rarely found 1 kg. The length ranges varied between 10 cm to 30cm. The average price was BDT 300-500/Kg. A well-structured marketing channel of Hilsa was identified.The study found some major threats to hilsa population in Hakaluki Haor and made some recommendations toensure safe migration and conserve migratory Hilsa population in Hakaluki Haor.