Hilsa production is declining after a steady rise over two decades due to water pollution from three power plants located near the Hilsa Sanctuary, siltation of rivers and overfishing, raising concerns about the much-loved fish’s sustainability and affordability.

Traders in Bangladesh are seeking permission from the government to export Hilsa to India on the eve of the Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Hindu devotees, when the demand for the popular fish goes up.    

Dr Mong Sano Marma initiated the genome sequencing and proposed it to Prof Haseena Khan, who led the research. Mong also convinced his neighbour in the US, Dr Peter Ianakiev, who facilitated the genome sequencing at his research organisation for free.

Bangladesh, India and Myanmar must work together for better conservation, production and management of hilsa, as they produce more than 90 percent of global production, said officials at a regional seminar in Dhaka yesterday.