IMPACT OF ELEVEN DAYS FISHING BAN IN THE MAJOR SPAWNING GROUNDS OF HILSA (TENUALOSA ILISHA HAMILTON) ON ITS BREEDING SUCCESS

Present study conducted to asses the impact of eleven days fishing ban on breeding success of hilsa shad in the major spawning grounds of hilsa in the month of September to November. The study showed that fishing ban during spawning seasons have significant role in the successful reproduction of hilsa. In and around the spawning grounds among all the captured hilsa, male: female ratio was found 20% and 80% respectively. Percent composition of oozing hilsa during major breeding period in the spawning grounds was 28%. In the year 2010, 2011 and 2012 about 33.69%, 36.27% and 35.79%, respectively spent hilsa was observed in the fish landing centers and was found about 67.38, 72.54 and 71.58 times higher than that of 2002. The egg production was calculated and in the year 2010, 2011 and 2012 about 336199, 385500 and 380400 Kg, respectively hilsa eggs could have been produced indicating a positive impact of 11 days fishing ban in spawning season. Comparatively higher percentages of gravid hilsa were found which were not available in the similar quantity and condition in the fishing ban period. During the present investigation, fairly higher amount of spent hilsa and juveniles were observed in the spawning grounds. On the other hand, fewer juveniles and spent hilsa were observed in the adjacent areas of the spawning grounds indicating that in comparison to the recent reports there might have little or no changes of the spawning grounds of hilsa occurred. Along with the jatka fry, spawn and fries of other fishes were also found in higher quantity than the previous years and thus it is assumed that 11 days fishing ban also might have positive impact on the successful breeding of other fishes. Overall, the fishing ban was found effective for successful breeding of hilsa.