"It is important to know what the hilsa feeds on that gives it its distinct seawater taste and accounts for its nutritive value," a scientist from Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) here, who did not wish to be named, told IANS.
Besides CIFRI, experts from other Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) labs too are part of the multi-dimensional project, said the scientist, who did not want to named.
But what is also baffling the experts is that while the fish's numbers are falling in Indian waters, it is flourishing in the waters of neigbouring Bangladesh. In fact, hilsa's numbers are so large that its trade makes a major contribution to Bangladesh's exports and national income.
