A 58-day ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal has come into effect to protect marine biodiversity and ensure safe breeding and increased production of around 475 species of fish.
The restriction, which began at midnight on Wednesday, will remain in force until June 11. During this period, all types of fishing in the sea are strictly prohibited.
The government revised the duration of the ban in response to long-standing demands from fishers.
The period has been reduced by seven days from the previous schedule and aligned with a similar ban in neighboring India.
A notification issued on March 11, 2025, sets the restriction from April 15 to June 11.
Rows of fishing trawlers anchored at Cox’s Bazar’s No. 6 jetty and Fishery Ghat areas after the ban’s enforcement.
Unable to go to sea, fishers are now passing idle days. Although some government assistance has been provided, many fishers say it is insufficient.
Local fisher Sona Mia said, “When fishing stops, our families face hardship. The support we receive is not enough, but we still follow the rules. If fish production increases, it will benefit us in the long run.”
Meanwhile, trawler owners are using this period to repair their nets, increasing demand for workers involved in net mending.
Rezaual Karim, a net repair worker on the banks of the Bakkhali River, said, “This is a busy time for us. We work from 7:00am until sunset repairing nets. I earn around 1,000 to 1,200 taka a day, which somehow supports my family.”
Experts say such seasonal bans play a crucial role in boosting fish breeding and ensuring sustainable fisheries.
However, locals have called for increased support to protect the livelihoods of fishers during the restriction period, including financial assistance and alternative employment opportunities to help them sustain their families while fishing is restricted.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
