Rare 2.4kg Hilsa caught in Bhola sparks local excitement amid conservation efforts
Photo Collected
A 2.4-kilogram hilsa, locally dubbed the “King Hilsa,” sparked a frenzy at the Ramnewaz fish landing center in Monpura, Bhola, on Saturday morning after being hauled from the Meghna River. The massive fish, caught by fisherman Kamal Majhi near the Kalatoli Char area, was sold at auction for 8,100 taka to local trader Mohammad Rajib Chowdhury.
The catch drew crowds of curious onlookers, fishermen, and traders, quickly becoming a focal point of local attention. While conflicting reports circulated on social media regarding the fish’s weight and price, local trader Shahabuddin Faraji confirmed the official weight at 2.4 kilograms and the sale price at 8,100 taka. According to local accounts, the fish was laden with roe, a detail that amplified the public’s interest.
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District Fisheries Officer Md. Iqbal Hossain explained that the capture of such a large specimen—estimated to be nearly three years old—is consistent with biological and seasonal patterns. He noted that the fish likely entered the river to spawn, a process often triggered by increased rainfall and river currents during this time of year. While hilsa can spawn throughout the year, the officer observed that increased water volume and flow during the monsoon season encourage larger schools to migrate upstream.
Officials suggest that the presence of such large fish may also be a positive indicator of the government’s ongoing conservation efforts. Regular patrols to protect juvenile hilsa and mother fish have allowed some stocks to reach maturity, providing a glimmer of hope for local fishermen who have otherwise faced a difficult season with lower-than-expected catches.
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However, authorities warned that sustainable growth depends on curbing the indiscriminate harvesting of smaller fish. For the residents of Monpura, the arrival of a “King Hilsa” at the landing center serves as more than just a commercial event; it is a cultural tradition that transforms the daily routine of the riverbank into a vibrant, festive occasion, briefly lifting the spirits of a community deeply connected to the river.
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