Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter has said that the use of illegal nets, incomplete control over juvenile hilsa (jatka) catching, and a combination of natural factors such as climate change and reduced navigability of rivers have led to a decline in hilsa production across Bangladesh.

She made the remarks on Monday, August 25, while responding to questions from journalists following a workshop held at the Barishal Club auditorium. The event, titled “Shrinking Buffalo Grazing Fields in Coastal Areas: Development Potential and Solutions,” brought together researchers, veterinarians, farmers from districts and sub-districts, and local representatives to discuss pressing challenges in the livestock sector.

Speaking to reporters, the Fisheries Advisor expressed concern about the ongoing use of illegal fishing nets that are depleting hilsa stocks. “The use of current nets and other prohibited nets is causing hilsa availability to fall day by day. We are taking strong measures against these practices. Drives are being carried out to stop illegal fishing, and we believe that with sustained action production will improve in the future and prices in the market will come down,” she said.

Hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh, is both a cultural delicacy and a critical source of income for fishermen, traders, and associated industries. However, its sustainability has long been threatened by overfishing, particularly of juveniles, combined with ecological disruptions. The advisor pointed out that while government restrictions on jatka fishing have yielded positive results in the past, gaps in enforcement and recurring illegal practices continue to undermine long-term goals.

In addition to the impact of unlawful nets, she emphasized that environmental changes are exacerbating the problem. Climate change has altered water temperature and flow patterns in many rivers, reducing the natural breeding environment of hilsa. At the same time, siltation and reduced navigability in major river systems have limited their habitat. “We cannot ignore the role of natural challenges,” she noted, “but our priority is to ensure human-driven causes such as illegal netting are brought under control.”

Farida Akhter also spoke about pricing issues in the hilsa supply chain. She highlighted how multiple stages of intermediaries, from riverside catch to wholesale and retail markets, drive up costs for consumers. “The process of repeated hand-to-hand transfer after the fish comes from the river to the market is a major factor in price hikes. Plans are being made to adopt effective measures to stop such practices,” she said. According to her, stabilizing supply and addressing unfair trade mechanisms could help ensure that hilsa remains affordable for ordinary people while guaranteeing fair income for fishermen.

Turning to the livestock sector, the Fisheries Advisor also addressed the growing concerns over buffalo grazing lands, particularly in coastal regions where land use changes and development pressures have sharply reduced available pasture. “Protecting grazing land and expanding buffalo farming can increase meat production and contribute to overall improvement in the country’s meat supply,” she said. Buffaloes are considered vital for coastal farming communities, providing both milk and meat, but shrinking pastureland has put many small farmers under strain.

The workshop, organized to assess the challenges of diminishing grazing fields, brought together a wide range of stakeholders. Researchers shared data on the reduction of pasture areas and its impact on livestock health, while veterinarians discussed the nutritional implications for buffaloes raised in restricted environments. Farmers highlighted their struggles with feeding costs and land conflicts, while local representatives urged government policy support to balance development projects with the protection of agricultural resources.

Participants at the event expressed optimism that coordinated strategies could both address the decline in grazing land and open new avenues for buffalo-based industries. They also noted that enhanced buffalo farming could reduce dependence on imported meat products and contribute to food security at the national level.

Farida Akhter, in her closing remarks, underscored the importance of balancing conservation with economic development. She stressed that fisheries, livestock, and environmental management must go hand in hand to ensure long-term sustainability. “Hilsa is not just a fish—it is part of our heritage and our identity. Protecting it means protecting a vital part of who we are. At the same time, supporting livestock and ensuring farmers have the resources they need is equally crucial for nutrition and livelihood security,” she said.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying drives against illegal fishing practices and working closely with local administrations, fishermen’s groups, and community leaders to build awareness about sustainable fishing. On the livestock side, she pledged stronger policy frameworks to safeguard grazing lands and expand buffalo farming initiatives.

The Barishal workshop concluded with an understanding that both hilsa conservation and livestock development will require integrated strategies and joint efforts from government authorities, experts, and communities. As Bangladesh faces mounting environmental pressures and increasing demand for food resources, the dual challenge of protecting traditional sectors like hilsa fishing and adapting to new realities in livestock farming has emerged as a central focus for policymakers.