Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural

University

Salna, Gazipur-1706

Hilsa is considered as one of the tastiest fish due to its-

Distinctly soft oily texture, Mouth watering flavour and Superb mouthfeel.

During entire life, Hilsa shad migrates both from sea tofreshwater and freshwater to sea.

The fish contributes about 12% of the total fish productionand about 1% of GDP in Bangladesh.

The fish is- Marine; Freshwater; Brackish; Pelagic-neritic; and Anadromous;

It is found in rivers and estuaries in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan andBurma.

Breeds mainly in rivers during the southwest monsoon.

During the breeding season they ascend the rivers and

After spawning, return to the original habitat.

Eggs, larvae and juveniles have been found in the upper reachesof the rivers.

Migration refers to rhythmic movement of animal which involves ajourney from one place to another and come back again.

Hilsa spends the first year of its life in the lower reaches of therivers and goes to the sea in the third year.

Physical factors

• Temperature, Current and tide, turbidity, and light intensity

Chemical factors

• Salinity, alkalinity, dissolved gases, odor, tastes, and pollutants

Biological factors

• Sexual development, blood pressure

Two types of migratory pattern are seen for Hilsa shadin Bangladesh.

a. South-west monsoon migration.b. Winter migration.

It has four main spawning grounds in banglades. These are-

i. Dhalerchar of Charfashion in Bholaii. Monpura in Bholaiii. Moulavichar of Hatia in Noakhaliiv. Kalirchar of Sandwip.

Juvenile Hilsa spends about 1-1.5 years in the Bay of Bengal for further growth and development.

After becoming sexually mature, they begin their journey to the estuary and river for spawning.

November To January

March To May

The migration route and pattern is now clearly known to us.

We must save this resource by stopping to capture this fish during migration periods.

We need to break all the water barrage system, which affects in Hilsa Migration.

We should avoid Jatka for Capturing during migration period.

So, we can ensure Sustainable Hilsa Stock in the River.