Fishermen at Sonarpara beach in Cox’s Bazar’s Marine Drive area begin their day at dawn, heading out to sea in traditional sampan boats and returning to shore with fresh catches as the morning sets in.
Small and large marine fish of various species are caught in their nets. Among the most common are loitta, chhuri, maitta, tuna, faissa, wala and chapali, along with several other locally known varieties.
Once the boats reach the shore, the fishermen become busy unloading, sorting and preparing the catch for sale.
An early-morning visit to the beach showed a lively scene, with waves rolling onto the shore as fishermen worked around their sampans, unloading baskets of fish. Local residents and tourists watched and enjoyed the early-morning activity.
Fisherman Halim said the fishing season was now underway.
“We go to sea in sampan boats to catch fish. Some days we get a beneficial catch, while on other days it is less. Our nets bring in different varieties, including loitta, chhuri, maitta, tuna, faissa, wala and chapali,” he said.
Local fishermen said the amount of fish they catch depends largely on sea conditions and the weather. When conditions remain favourable, they head out early in the morning and return to shore with their catch within a few hours.
The early-morning scene at Sonarpara beach offers more than a glimpse of the fishermen’s daily routine. It also vividly reflects the coastal communities whose livelihoods remain closely tied to the sea.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
