Awareness campaign on jatka protection held in Barguna

Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised campaigns for fishermen and others at two areas in Patharghata upazila, Barguna on Sunday to raise awareness against the killing and catching of jatka hilsha fish.

Fishermen were informed that catching and killing of jatka negatively impacts nature and fisheries sector. They were also given guidelines to find alternative and viable livelihood options.

The campaigns were held at Notun Bazar Launch Ghat area and BFDC Ghat fishing area.

At the campaign, speakers said that if the indiscriminate catching of jatka (young hilsa) continues, hilsa production will decline drastically in the future. Addressing the fishermen, they noted that if jatka fishing is halted during the designated period—especially from March to April—hilsa production would increase significantly, ultimately benefiting the fishermen financially.

The speakers further mentioned that although the government has taken various measures to conserve jatka, many fishermen are compelled to violate the restrictions due to livelihood pressures. They emphasized the need to strengthen alternative employment opportunities and ensure adequate incentives for the fishing community.

As part of the campaign, leaflets were distributed among fishermen, highlighting the importance of jatka conservation, relevant legal restrictions, and its long-term benefits. In addition, various social initiatives involving young people to protect rivers and conserve fishery resources were also presented.

The organisers stated that if such awareness activities are continued regularly, positive changes will occur among fishermen and jatka catching will decrease to a large extent. Many fishermen had already voluntarily pledged not to catch jatka, which stakeholders considered a hopeful sign for the future.

The speakers concluded that sustainable protection of the country’s hilsa resources is possible through a coordinated approach combining awareness, law enforcement, and supportive measures for fishermen.