Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Rough Weather Lowers Hilsa Catch, Leaving Bengal Fishermen Facing Losses
Hilsa fishing restarted on June 15 after a two-month ban.
This year, strong and unpredictable weather made fishing difficult.
Fishermen could not place their nets properly in the sea.
Many spent more money on fuel and trips than they earned from selling fish.
One fisherman said he lost about ₹50,000 on each trip.
Because of these losses, some fishermen stopped going to sea.
The smaller supply has made hilsa more expensive in Calcutta markets.
Fishermen have started trying again, hoping the weather improves and more fish are caught.
Hilsa fishing resumed on June 15 after an annual two-month ban ended.
Unpredictable winds and rough seas have reduced catches and caused fishermen financial losses.
One fisherman reported losing about ₹50,000 on each of five trips.
Markets in Calcutta and nearby areas are receiving less hilsa than usual.
Officials and fishermen hope catches improve if weather conditions remain stable.
- Who
- Hilsa fishermen in South 24-Parganas and East Midnapore, along with fisheries officials.
- What
- Rough weather and unpredictable winds have reduced the hilsa catch and caused financial losses.
- When
- Since the fishing season began on June 15; many fishermen stopped going out toward the end of July, while some resumed on Wednesday.
- Where
- The Bay of Bengal and nearby rivers, with effects felt in Calcutta markets and surrounding areas.
- Why
- Unpredictable winds and rough seas prevented fishermen from setting nets properly and made trips costly.
- Fishing season
- Began June 15 after the annual ban from April 14 ended.
- Reported loss
- Anibash Das said he lost around ₹50,000 per trip after five trips.
- Trip cost
- Gill-net fishing costs around ₹1.5 lakh per trip; trawling costs around ₹3.5-4 lakh.
- Typical annual catch
- South 24-Parganas and East Midnapore coasts usually produce around 4,000-6,000 tonnes of hilsa.
- Current prices
- Hilsa weighing 800 grams to slightly over one kilogram costs around ₹1,400-2,000 in Calcutta markets.
- Usual prices
- During the monsoon, fish below one kilogram usually costs ₹900-1,000, while slightly larger fish costs around ₹1,400.
- Fuel costs
- Fuel alone costs around ₹1-1.5 lakh for a gill-net fishing trip.