Based on a fieldwork the study explored the underlying causes and pathways of Hilsa migration towards Hakaluki Haor and status of Hilsa fishing. To collect empirical data a number of qualitative tools such as interviews, focus group discussion and oral history from different stakeholders were employed. The study identified, though unusual fishermen have been netting Hilsa abundantly on early monsoon in Hakaluki haor since 2016. Due to flash flood in the Hakaluki Haor and storm water flows down to the Meghna River through Kushiyara River, Hilsa swims against the tide and enters into Hakaluki Haor from upper Meghna river system. The major causes of migration towards Hakaluki Haor are found early flash flood, storm water flows and government’s initiative of imposing ban on Hilsa fishing during spawning season in upper Meghna sanctuary. As impose of ban on fishing of Hilsa increased the total production, abundance of Hilsa in Hakaluki Haor act as an indicator of total inland Hilsa production in Bangladesh. The weight of Hilsa species caught from Hakaluki are varied from 200 gm to 900 gm and rarely found 1 kg. The length ranges varied between 10 cm to 30 cm. The average price was found 300-500 Tk/Kg. A well-structured marketing channel of Hilsa was also identified. Construction of buri keari dam in Fenchuganj, siltation in riverbeds, habitat modification and fragmentation, overfishing and increased fishing efforts, environmental pollution, navigability crisis, decreased water carrying capacity of Hakaluki, establishment of brick field and other illegal structures on haor are major threats found to hilsa population in Hakaluki Haor during different interviews and group discussions. The research analysis has identified some recommendations to ensure safe migration and conserve migratory Hilsa population in Hakaluki Haor.
Recommended Citation: Fagun IA, Rishan ST, Shipra NT, Upstream Migration of Hilsa towards Hakaluki Haor: A Case Study, Fisheries Society of Bangladesh Biennial Conference 2019, Book of Abstracts, p. 141.
