Barisal district in Bangladesh has got the sixth Hilsa sanctuary of the country. The 83km stripe in Meghna River from Hizla to Mehendiganj in Barisal district has been declared as the Hilsa sanctuary.
In the month of April, the department of fisheries issued a circular on the sixth Hilsa sanctuary from Hizla to Mehendiganj in Barisal district. The department had fixed June 17 as the deadline for sending any suggestion and objection. As the department has received no complaints within the deadline period, it can now be presumed as government declaration on the Hilsa sanctuary. However, official declaration will come soon from the Law Ministry.
The Hilsa fish has a wide geographical distribution.
Bangladesh is the leading country in Hilsa production with 65%, while India contributes with 10-15% and Myanmar 8-10%. The rest are found in Oman, Pakistan and Bahrain.
The five other Hilsa sanctuaries in Bangladesh are – 100 km stripe in Meghna river – from Shatnol to Char Alaxandar, 90 km stripe of Shahbazpur Channel at Meghna estuary in Bhola district, 100 km stripe of Tentulia River in Bhola district, 40 km stripe in Andharmanik River in Patuakhali district and 20 km stripe at lower Padma (Padma confluence) in Shariatpur district.