Local fishermen along the Himchari coast in Cox’s Bazar set out in groups every morning, heading to the sea in small styrofoam boats in a daily struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
About 10 to 12 fishers jointly take several small boats and venture out at dawn. They cast their nets in the morning and usually return to the shore with their catch by the afternoon.
The styrofoam boats, according to the fishers, are incapable of sailing into the deep sea like large trawlers.
As a result, they are confined to fishing in areas close to the coast. When the weather remains favorable, their daily earnings are just enough to support their families. However, during rough weather or high waves, they are often compelled to take risks at sea.
Abdul Karim, a local fisher, said that 10 to 12 of them usually head out together in several boats. “We leave very early in the morning because the sea becomes rough as the sun rises. We fish near the shore and must return by the afternoon,” he said.
Another fisher, Mohammad Selim, said that unlike large trawlers, they enjoy few facilities. “Still, we have to go to the sea every day to support our families. Some days we get a good catch; other days we return almost empty-handed,” he added.
Fishers said that hilsa, pomfret, loitta, and shrimp are among the species commonly caught during the season.
However, rising fuel prices and increased boat maintenance costs have reduced their profit margins compared with previous years.
Though their lives remain fraught with hardship and uncertainty, the fishers remain hopeful. Favourable weather and a good catch are their only assurances in an occupation wholly dependent on the sea.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
