Dhaka, Oct. 31 -- A ban on catching jatka, or juvenile hilsa, in the sea and rivers will come into force from midnight tonight (Saturday) and remain in effect until June 30, 2027, in a bid to boost hilsa stocks in the long term and ensure its sustainable conservation.

Catching, transporting, marketing, buying, selling and storing hilsa measuring less than 25 centimetres will be completely prohibited under the terms of the ban, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said in a message issued this evening.

The Department of Fisheries will implement the ban.

It said the "Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive-2026" was carried out from October 8 to 29 during the peak breeding season to protect brood hilsa.

According to the ministry, hilsa fry h...