Nationwide eight-month ban on Jatka fishing begins today

To boost production and conserve hilsha, an eight-month nationwide ban on catching Jatka (Hilsha under 25 cm) comes into effect from today (November 1) and will continue until June 30 next year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock announced.

The ban prohibits the harvesting, transport, marketing, sale, purchase, and storage of hilsha shorter than 25 cm.

To enforce the ban, district and upazila administrations, the Navy, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will conduct joint operations, according to the Department of Fisheries.

Earlier, a 21-day restriction was imposed from October 4–25 during the breeding season to protect spawning female hilsha, accompanied by a conservation campaign.

The ministry noted that fry hatched during the breeding season are now roaming coastal rivers and estuaries. Protecting these juveniles will help increase future hilsha production.

Under the amended Fisheries Conservation and Protection Ordinance, 2025, and Fisheries Conservation Rules, 1985, violators face up to two years’ imprisonment, fines up to five lakh taka, or both.