Fishers in Cox’s Bazar have begun preparations to return to the Bay of Bengal as the government’s 58-day fishing ban, imposed to protect the breeding and conservation of hilsa and other marine fish species, is set to end on June 11.
A visit to the Cox’s Bazar Fishery Ghat showed fishers and trawler owners busy repairing vessels, preparing fishing nets and stocking essential supplies ahead of their return to the sea.
Many are eager to resume fishing operations immediately after the restriction is lifted.
Abdul, a fisherman at the Fishery Ghat, said that only a few days remained before they could head back to sea.
“We are preparing new nets and getting everything ready. After such a long break, we are excited to return to fishing,” he said.
Another fisherman said the two-month ban had caused significant financial hardship for many fishing families.
“We have faced economic difficulties during the restriction period. Now we hope to catch plentiful quantities of fish once we return to the sea. If the weather remains favourable, we will begin fishing immediately after the ban ends,” he said.
Industry insiders said most fishing trawlers would be ready to sail as soon as the restriction is withdrawn. Subject to favourable weather conditions, hundreds of fishing vessels from the Cox’s Bazar coast are expected to head into deep waters within days of the reopening.
Fishers believe that although the prolonged suspension of fishing activities has affected their livelihoods, the conservation measure will contribute to increased fish stocks and higher catches in the coming months.
Local fish traders also said seasonal fishing bans play an important role in protecting marine resources during the breeding season and help ensure sustainable fish production in the future.
The 58-day restriction on marine fishing was imposed by the government to allow fish populations to breed and replenish, a measure authorities say is essential for maintaining the long-term sustainability of the country’s marine fisheries sector.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
