The Bay of Bengal has turned dangerously rough due to inclement weather, affecting the entire Cox’s Bazar coastline. Thousands of coastal fishers are unable to venture out to sea, forcing most fishing trawlers to seek shelter in the Bakkhali River and other safe locations.
On Wednesday morning, hundreds of trawlers were seen anchored along the banks near the Nuniachhara Fishery Ghat in Cox’s Bazar town. Although there is currently no fishing ban, fishers say the weather has made it impossible to set sail.
Thousands of fishers from at least 32 fishing villages—including Nuniachhara, Nazirartek, Khurushkul, Jaliapara in Teknaf, Shah Porir Dwip, Saint Martin’s Island, Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, and Pekua—are spending their days idle. Many are already facing financial hardship.
According to the District Fisheries Office, Cox’s Bazar recorded a catch of 32,800 metric tons of hilsa in the previous year. This year’s target has been set at 36,000 metric tons, but weather disruptions have raised concerns over meeting that goal.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has maintained local cautionary signal No. 3 at Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Mongla, and Payra seaports, advising all fishing boats and trawlers in the Bay of Bengal to return to shore.
Local fishers report that being unable to go to sea has halted their income, forcing many to take loans just to run their households. They fear the situation will worsen if the weather does not improve soon.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
