Hilsa has become the king of fish due to its incomparable taste, smell, and nutritious oil. The most interesting thing is that Hilsa does not have a permanent address. Hilsa fish is locally called ‘Ilish’ and its scientific name is ‘Tenualosa Ilisha’. These are migratory fish, sometimes also called international fish. Hilsa roams the oceans of the world under various names. But Bangladesh produces around 86% of the world’s Hilsa. And Padma’s Hilsa, the universally tasty Ilish is our pride. Bangladesh has given the status of national fish to Hilsa. Furthermore, the recognition as Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh, Hilsa is now on the menu in different countries as Bangladeshi food.
History of Hilsa Ilisha
The exact history of Hilsa is unknown. Even though there are much bigger fish than hilsa, it is the king of fish. It is said that hilsa has been roaming freely in the ocean since ancient times. Hilsa’s wandering is also quite interesting, from the saltwater of the sea to the freshwater of the river. From there, back to the saltwater of the sea. During the breeding season or during the egg-laying season, the male and female hilsa flock out to sea for a favorable environment. Eggs are laid in the freshwater of the river. The baby hilsa grows in fresh water and gradually gets ready to go to the ocean. Hilsa swims in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, Java Sea, South China Sea, Tonkin Bay, West, and Central Pacific Ocean. The British researcher Hamilton Buchanan named it Hilsa in 1882 while researching fish in the Bay of Bengal. Later, two researchers named Fischer and Bionic classified Hilsa as ‘Tenualosa.’ Tenualosa is found in five species in the world. Of which three species match in Bangladesh. Hilsa (T-Ilsha), Chandana Hilsa (T-Tolly), and Gupta Hilsa (H-Ki-Li). Among them, Hilsa found in the Padma is worldfamous.
What is special in Hilsa Fish?
This fish is excellent in taste and smell. Also rich in food quality. It contains high levels of carbs, fats, and minerals as well as omega-three fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, D, B. Hilsa is characterized by a silver torpedo-shaped fish. There is a slight blackness on the back. Baby hilsa has lined spots on the body. Hilsa takes eight months to a year to mature after hatching from eggs. Mature hilsa can grow to a maximum length of 63 cm or more than two feet and weigh a maximum of three / three and a half kg. However, usually, the fish is caught in the net before it reaches 2 kg. At present Hilsa is found in about 100 rivers of Bangladesh. In particular, the main rivers of the Padma and Meghna basins, its tributaries, bays, and coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal are home to Hilsa.
Prospect of Hilsa Fish for Bangladesh
Hilsa is found all year round in the lower reaches of the Meghna River at Kalabadar, Tertulia, Arial Kha, as well as at Bishkhali, Payra, Rupsha, Shiba, Pashur, Lohadia, Andharamanik rivers, bays, and seashores. In addition, the availability of hilsa in the Padma has increased due to the establishment of a hilsa sanctuary in the lower reaches of the Padma and the ban on netting hilsa on certain days of the year. Over the years, hilsa production has increased significantly. Hence it contributes to the country’s economy greatly. Hilsa contributes 1% to the gross domestic product (GDP). About 5 lakh people are directly involved in hilsa, and 20 to 25 lakh people are directly or indirectly involved, according to the Fisheries Department. In 2016, Hilsa of Bangladesh had been recognized as a GI (Geographical Indication) product. It is difficult to get accurate information about the quantity of hilsa export. According to the Department of Fisheries, out of 75,000 tons of fish and fish products exported from Bangladesh every year and among those 24,000 tons are frozen fish. It can be assumed that most of these frozen fish are hilsa fish.
Hilsa Ban Period in Bangladesh
The government has a ban on catching hilsa in the river for most of the year. 22-day spawning period, 240 days to allow the jatka to grow, and 65 days to protect the fishery resources in the sea, a total of 327 days in these three phases. In addition, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued a special ban on fishing for hilsa in hilsa sanctuaries in the country. In the first phase, the Ministry of Fisheries has banned fishing for hilsa in all the rivers of the country for 22 days every year in October (Ashwin’s second part and Kartik’s first part). Ashwin’s full moon is the time for laying hilsa eggs. Mature hilsa comes to the freshwater river from the sea to lay eggs at this time. In order to make the spawning time uninterrupted, the government imposed a ban on all kinds of fishing at that time. Ministry sources also said that the date was changed due to the importance of Ashwin’s full moon. Earlier, this time was 7 days, but later it was reduced to 14 days, and now it is 22 days.
In the second phase, known as Jatka (25 cm long hilsa), the government imposed restrictions on catching hilsa in the river or sea at a large time of the year to allow the jatka to grow. This is done from 1 November to 30 June of the following year for these 8 months or 240 days. For eight months, fishing Jatka has been banned. But, during these eight-month, there is no restriction on catching large Hilsa. In the third phase of the year, all types of fishing have to be closed in the Bay of Bengal for 65 days from May 20 to July 23 every year to develop marine fisheries resources. The ban applies to commercial fishing boats as well as all types of vessels. The breeding season of different marine animals, including different types of fish in the Bay of Bengal, is from late May to July of the year. That is why the Ministry of Fisheries has imposed a ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal for 65 days to protect the sea’s animal resources as well as increase the government’s fish stock.
Hilsa production in Bangladesh
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Hilsa production in the country has increased by about 79% in the last 10 years. In 2008-09 fiscal year, hilsa production was 2 lakh 98 thousand tons. In the last fiscal year 2018-19, the production of hilsa was 5 lakh 33 thousand tons. At this time, the production has increased to 2 lakh 35 thousand tons. At the same time, the average growth of hilsa production in 10 years is about 6.20%. According to World Fish, an international research organization on fisheries, 86% of the world’s hilsa is now being produced in Bangladesh. However, a few years ago, 65% of the world’s total hilsa production came from Bangladesh. Hilsa contributes the most to the total fish production of the country. About 12% of the total fish produced in the country comes from hilsa.
Health Benefits of Hilsa Fish
Hilsa has a lot of calories. In addition, potassium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, and calcium. It also contains plenty of omega-three fatty acids. We can meet the demand for omega-three fatty acids in the body by eating hilsa. Omega-three fatty acids are beneficial for the brain and eyes. The omega-three fatty acids also help reduce depression. This fish contains a lot of oil, which strengthens the nervous system and increases blood circulation. The bad cholesterol in the heart can get rid of the fat found in the hilsa. Further, it is a good source of vitamin D, which helps to keep the skin and hair good. Hilsa fish regulates blood cholesterol. In addition, it reduces various pains in the body.
Popular Hilsa Ilisha Curries in Bangladesh
More or less, everyone likes hilsa fish. Depending on the family, there are many differences in the cooking of hilsa fish. But there are some recipes that are universal in terms of taste, nutrition value, and presentation. Among all the Hilsa curries, Shorshe Ilish is the most popular one. Mustard and hilsa are the two main ingredients to cook Shorshe Ilish. Besides, other regular ingredients are also needed. It can be cooked easily by heating the oil in a pot and boiling the kalizira in it. After that, add mustard paste and raw chilies in it with all the spices one by one and add the pieces of hilsa in it, then mix the whole fish well with the spices and cover it with one / two cups of hot water for five minutes.
Next, Ilish Polao is another popular item in Bangladesh. The cooking procedure is similar to the other items eaten with pulao. It tastes really good when served warm. Ilish paturi is also a popular hilsa item. One special ingredient, bottle gourd leaves, is needed to cook Ilish paturi. To make this, you will need to wash the fish and wipe it with a kitchen towel. After that, spread all the fish with spices. Wrap the while fish or pieces in gourd leaves and deep fry it in oil. Serve hot. All the hilsa recipes are easy and delicious, but Ilish malaikari is an exception. It is cooked with coconut milk; hence you can understand how tasty it will be! Apart from these delicious curries, Hilsa fish fry and Hilsa egg fry are also very popular food.