"The annual contribution of hilsa to the country's total fish output accounts for 12-13 percent," he said addressing a press conference in the city's Matsya Bhaban on the occasion of 'Jatka Protection Week'.

Dr Karim said the contribution of hilsa towards creating employment, reducing poverty and socio-economic development of the country is very important.

About four lakh tons of hilsa are produced worldwide of which Bangladesh's contribution accounts for over 50 percent while that of Myanmar accounts for 25 percent, he observed.

The adviser said hilsa output in Bangladesh might be affected seriously due to some man-made and natural reasons. "The present trend of hilsa to go towards sea from internal rivers for various reasons will alarmingly bring down its output in near future," he added.

Emphasising the need for joint efforts of all concerned to preserve jatka, he said a two-step management plan would be taken to protect both the bigger and smaller hilsa to increase the production.

The adviser also sought cooperation of the media in creating awareness of the people to protect jatka. "Hilsa fry can be protected by strictly enforcing the existing laws and raising the awareness level of the people."

Earlier in the morning, the Adviser attended a rally marking the inauguration of 'Jatka Protection Week-2007' across the country. The rally that started from Matsya Bhaban terminated at Zero Point after parading some city streets.

Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Syed Ataur Rahman, Director General of Fisheries Department M Nazrul Islam and officials concerned, representatives of various NGOs and fish traders were also present at the press conference.