Two Large Hilsa Caught in Meghna River Sold for 15,000 Taka in Monpura
Photo Collected
Two large hilsa fish weighing a combined total of more than 3.5 kilograms were sold for 15,000 taka at a fish landing station in Monpura Upazila of Bhola district on Monday. The catch, which drew significant public attention, highlights the growing rarity of larger specimens in the Meghna River.
The fish were caught by Rafiqul Islam, a local fisherman from Dhalchar in Kalatoli Union, who had ventured into the Meghna River estuary on Sunday evening. Upon returning to the Dhalchar fish market on Monday, he brought the catch to the establishment of wholesaler Sharif Bepari. The larger of the two fish weighed 2.2 kilograms, while the second weighed 1.5 kilograms.
Local fish trader Saiful Molla purchased both hilsa at auction for 15,000 taka. Following the sale, Molla transported the fish to the capital, Dhaka, via launch, where he expects to secure a higher retail price.
The sight of such large hilsa sparked curiosity among the local community, with many residents gathering at the landing station to view and photograph the catch. Local merchants noted that while large hilsa were once common during the monsoon season, such specimens are now increasingly scarce.
Jayanta Kumar, the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer for Charfashion and Monpura, stated that while hilsa catches have seen a slight increase, the frequency of large fish remains low. He noted that larger hilsa are typically more prevalent during the peak breeding season around the full moon in the Bengali month of Ashwin.
According to Kumar, the decline in larger hilsa populations is attributed to a combination of factors, including water pollution, the use of illegal nets and poisons for fishing, agricultural pesticide runoff, climate change, rising sea temperatures, and the formation of shoals that obstruct migration paths. He emphasized that further research is required to address the environmental challenges affecting the species.
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