Fish of different species including carps have released eggs at several points in the Halda River, the only natural fish spawning space in Bangladesh. Around 2am on Thursday night, the first batch of eggs were released at Amtua Point, which soon spread in different parts of the river, kicking off the seasonal egg collection.
As the news spread, hundreds of fishermen from riverbank communities rushed out with boats and nets at night, turning the riverside into a scene of festivity despite inclement weather. Locals said that amid heavy rain and inclement weather, the egg collection continued in full swing from early hours of Friday till noon.
The spawning began at Amtua with mother fish of the carp species and the eggs then dispersed downstream. Dr. Shafiqul Islam, a researcher on the Halda River, said that each egg collector has, on average, received three to four buckets of eggs.
“Collectors are highly enthusiastic,” he said, adding that it will take some time to estimate the total volume of eggs delivered to hatcheries.
According to fisheries department, in 2020, the Halda river yielded a record 25,536 kgs of eggs. The collection was also notably high in 2018, with 22,680 kgs. In contrast, yields in 2021 and 2022 were comparatively lower, at 8,500 and 6,500 kgs, respectively. In 2023, the figure rose again to 14,664 kgs.
The Halda River’s unique natural ecosystem allows carp species to breed only under specific conditions—typically between April and June, on nights of the full or new moon, during heavy rain and mountain runoff. Dr. Shafiqul Islam added that these fertilized eggs are later taken to hatcheries for preservation and the production of juvenile fish.
The combination of a new moon, torrential rainfall, and upstream water flow creates the perfect conditions for egg-laying.
