A 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal is currently in place, aimed at preserving jatka (young hilsa) and increasing hilsa production. As a result, all forms of fishing have been halted in the region.
However, the fishermen of Cox’s Bazar are far from idle. A visit to the local fishing docks reveals groups of fishermen busily repairing both old and new nets, staying occupied despite the fishing restrictions.
The fishing ban has put many fishermen in a problematic situation, raising concerns about meeting household expenses and repaying debts to moneylenders.
Many boat owners and fishermen work tirelessly, day and night, repairing nets and boats. Once the ban is lifted, they hope to clear their debts by catching hilsa, believing that their situation will improve once fishing resumes.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Setu
