Bangladesh’s ilish catch is on a downward trend. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and changes in river flows are throwing breeding cycles off balance. This not only threatens the national fish but also impacts thousands of fishermen who rely on it for income.
Fishermen are reporting fewer catches, even during bustling peak seasons. In Chandpur, known as the ilish capital, veteran fisherman Asad Hossain shared his disappointment. He used to return with nets full of silver ilish, but this year has been bleak. “Even at the height of the season, our catches just aren’t meeting expectations,” he remarked.
Similar sentiments come from Subhas Paik in Shahrasti, who said his overnight fishing trips yield meager results. The supply in local markets has dropped by nearly half compared to previous years. In southern Barisal, once a thriving area for ilish, fishermen like Moslem Hawlader note that larger fish have nearly vanished. “We follow fishing bans, but we’re still catching mostly small-sized ilish, leading to lower pay while consumers face higher prices,” he explained.
Multiple factors are contributing to this decline. According to a recent report from the Department of Fisheries, ilish production fell to 512,000 tons in 2024-25, down from previous years where catches exceeded 550,000 tons. Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter highlighted that climate change plays a significant role, mentioning increased sea temperatures and changing rainfall patterns disrupt breeding. Without sufficient rain, ilish fail to migrate upstream to spawn.
Every year, there’s a 22-day fishing ban intended to help the fish breed. However, climate shifts might be making this ineffective. “We might need to rethink this ban. The effects of climate change are shifting breeding cycles,” Akhter noted.
Experts like Professor Harunur Rashid from Bangladesh Agricultural University stress that current fishing practices are unsustainable. He suggests that harvesting should not exceed 250,000 to 300,000 tons annually, yet we’re catching more than double that. Many immature ilish are being caught, which can lead to biological changes affecting future generations.
The health of Bangladesh’s rivers is alarming. The National River Conservation Commission reports that 308 of the country’s 1,008 rivers have lost navigability, primarily due to industrial waste and untreated effluents. This pollution not only affects ilish but also disrupts the overall ecosystem.
Molla Imdadulla, Project Director at the ilish Development and Management Project, mentioned that rapid siltation is blocking fish migration routes, further complicating breeding cycles. He expressed concern over illegal fishing practices and insufficient monitoring, which allow overfishing to continue unchecked.
Kazi Ahsan Habib from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University warns that ongoing ecological damage may alter traditional migration patterns for ilish. “If they can’t access suitable spawning grounds, future generations might never return to these rivers,” he cautioned.
Bangladesh currently leads the way in ilish harvesting due to its favorable conditions, but this could change if the situation does not improve. Muhammad Kamruzzaman from the Department of Fisheries remains hopeful, stating that efforts to protect ilish resources are in place, despite challenges.
Experts emphasize that without urgent action addressing the intertwined issues of climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, the future of ilish in Bangladesh—and the livelihoods dependent on it—looks uncertain. The time to act is now, as the clock ticks down on this vital resource.
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