Despite the end of a 58-day fishing ban, fishermen along the Cox’s Bazar coast are unable to head out to sea in search of hilsa due to rough weather conditions. The turbulent Bay of Bengal has forced many to return to shore, leaving fishermen idle at docks with no means to support their families.
According to the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, active monsoon conditions and pressure differences over the North Bay have brought gusty and squally winds. The office has issued Signal No. 3 at least four times in the past 20 days, with the caution remaining in effect for maritime ports as of Saturday (July 7).
The weather has left around 6,000 fishing trawlers and their owners and workers in crisis across Cox’s Bazar, Maheshkhali, Teknaf, Saint Martin’s Island, Chakaria, Pekua, and Kutubdia. Nearly 100,000 fishermen depend on these trawlers, most of which are now anchored along various docks on the Bankkhali River.
Md. Abdul Hannan, Assistant Meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar office, said, “Heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and pressure differences are normal during the monsoon season. Going to sea under cautionary signals is dangerous. Fishermen must remain alert and follow official guidelines.”
Meanwhile, trawler owners and fishermen report that the sea has remained rough since the ban ended on June 12, with four cautionary signals issued in just 20 days. “Our trawlers are stuck at the docks, owners are suffering losses, and fishermen are struggling to support their families,” they said. “We urge the government to provide incentives to support fishermen and trawler owners during this crisis.”
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
