Hilsa Fish Decline Alarms Fishermen in West Bengal

There has been a significant decline in Hilsa fish yield in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district this season. Trawlers have been netting significantly less yield compared to previous years. Pollution, overfishing, and rising diesel costs are cited as major reasons. Weather conditions and market imports add complexity to the situation.

The yield of Hilsa fish has sharply declined in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district this season, with trawlers netting 25-30 tonnes a day compared to 50 tonnes two years ago, according to fishermen's organizations.

Despite this, there is no immediate impact on supply in city markets, as shipments from Bangladesh occur primarily during the September-October festive period. Bijan Maity, general secretary of the Kakdwip Matsya Unnayan Samity, noted that about 70 of the 1,000 trawlers have been actively fishing since mid-June, catching significantly fewer fish than in previous years.

Maity attributed the reduced yield to factors like pollution and the indiscriminate netting of juvenile Hilsa, urging fishermen to release fish shorter than 23 cm or weighing less than 500 grams. The rising cost of diesel adds further stress as operating expenses have increased by 50%.

(With inputs from agencies.)