Fishermen returning to Bay after end of 58-day fishing ban

The country’s fishing community is returning to the Bay of Bengal en masse, following the culmination of a nearly two-month-long fishing moratorium. The 58-day ban, enforced to facilitate fish breeding and conservation, concluded at midnight on Wednesday, signaling the resumption of vital livelihood activities for thousands.

Fishermen across coastal districts, including Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Khulna, Satkhira, Barisal, Patuakhali, and Bhola, had been diligently preparing for their sea expeditions since Thursday. Many embarked on their voyages yesterday, with the majority seen bidding farewell to their families after Jumma prayers today (Friday) as they headed for the sea.

The government’s annual ban, in effect from April 15, is a crucial measure aimed at conserving and enhancing the populations of 473 species of marine fish, notably Hilsa. Its lifting marks the end of a protracted waiting period for the fishing communities.

Coastal fishing piers are abuzz with activity as traders and warehouse owners finalize their preparations. Ice mills have been reactivated, with significant quantities of ice being loaded onto trawlers and stored at the piers, anticipating the influx of fresh catches.

Abdur Gafur, a 35-year-old fisherman from Cox’s Bazar with 15 years of experience at sea, expressed his readiness. “God willing, I will go tomorrow (Friday) too,” he stated yesterday, adding that special prayers would be offered at coastal mosques during Friday prayers for the safety of fishermen and their property at sea.

Syed Alam, a fish trader in Teknaf Municipality, confirmed the bustling preparations: “The fishermen have finished repairing and cleaning the jetty. Now everyone is working on getting ice. About fifty fishing boats, small, large and medium, are preparing to leave this pier today, Friday.” Initial estimates suggest that each medium-sized trawler is investing between Taka 30,000 to 100,000 in essential supplies such as fuel and ice for the voyage, while larger trawlers are provisioning with goods valued at least at Taka 200,000.

This article has been posted by a News Hour Correspondent. For queries, please contact through [email protected]
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