Regional Experts Unite to Strengthen Transboundary Hilsa Conservation

December 2025: An International Workshop on  “Transboundary Hilsa Fisheries Management” was held at ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, on Tuesday under the Bay of Bengal Programme’s BIMReN project.

The workshop brought together scientists, policy-makers, NGOs, and fisher representatives from India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to address the growing challenges surrounding Hilsa conservation and management in the Bay of Bengal region.

Organised in collaboration with BOBP-IGO, Chennai, the workshop forms part of an ongoing project titled “Developing Transboundary Management Strategies for Hilsa Fishery in the Bay of Bengal Region under Changing Climate”. ICAR-CIFRI is the Lead Research Institute in India, with Bangladesh Agricultural University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University as key partners.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI and Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated regional efforts for effective Hilsa conservation. He outlined ongoing research under NMCG, including migration studies, domestication attempts, transportation protocols, and ranching-based stock enhancement, stressing the need for strong fisher community participation.

Experts from Bangladesh, including Dr. Md. Shahjahan and Dr. Abdullah-Al Mamun, discussed climate impacts on Hilsa migration, reproductive patterns, and stock health. Dr. Anisur Rahman emphasised the ecological and institutional challenges in harmonising management across borders. Myanmar’s representatives, led by Dr. Mike Akester and Dr. K.M. Soe of WorldFish, presented findings on spawning zones, enforcement challenges in remote areas, and the need for advanced technologies such as machine-learning databases and genetic tissue sampling.

Senior Indian scientists Dr. E. Vivekanandan and Dr. V. V. Sugunan stressed the need for robust stock assessment, shared data systems, and coordinated conservation across river systems including the Padma, Brahmaputra, and Godavari. Discussions also noted shifting migration routes and rising Hilsa catches along the Gujarat coast. Calls were made for common Standard Operating Procedures, improved water management, digital catch-verification tools, and strengthened enforcement.

A dedicated fishers–scientists interaction session highlighted community experiences and expectations. Fisher representatives from Kakdwip underlined field-level challenges, while NGOs emphasised livelihood resilience.

The workshop concluded with a collective call for long-term, science-based, climate-adaptive strategies supported by transboundary cooperation. Participants agreed that safeguarding Hilsa, a highly migratory and climate-sensitive species—requires institutional collaboration, habitat-focused conservation, and sustained engagement among India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Team Maverick.