A deep-sea fishing trawler netted 100 maunds of red coral fish in a single catch off the coast of Teknaf, with the haul later sold for Tk 2.4 million.
The fish-laden trawler anchored at Kayukhali Ghat in Teknaf, under Cox’s Bazar, at around 10:30 pm on Tuesday (24 February). The catch was made earlier that morning in the Bay of Bengal, southwest of Saint Martin’s Island.
Trawler owners Mohammad Mizan and Harun said 17 fishermen were on board when the nets were cast into the deep sea. By Tuesday afternoon, a single net had successfully caught a substantial quantity of red coral fish. Each fish weighed between 5kg and 6kg on average, bringing the total catch to 100 maunds.
Although traders initially offered as much as Tk 4.5 million for the consignment, the fish were eventually sold at Tk 24,000 per maund, amounting to Tk 2.4 million, they said.
Upon arrival at the ghat, competition broke out among local traders eager to secure the prized catch.
Rahmat Ullah, the trawler’s skipper, said the crew had endured several days without significant catches, leading to growing frustration. “Catching such a large quantity at once has restored morale among the fishermen,” he said.
Traders said the red coral fish will be supplied to markets in Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka, where demand for marine fish has risen ahead of Ramadan amid a supply shortage.
Local fishermen noted that red coral fish typically move in shoals in deep-sea and coral-rich zones.
Teknaf Upazila Fisheries Officer Umul Fara Begum said red coral is a highly prized and flavourful species that was once widely available in local markets but has become increasingly scarce. She added that the species can weigh up to 9kg.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
