The Cox’s Bazar Fish Landing Centre, Fishery Ghat, has regained its familiar bustle as fishing trawlers gradually return from the Bay of Bengal following the end of the government’s 58-day ban on marine fishing.
One of the country’s largest fish landing hubs is once again teeming with fishermen, traders, auctioneers and labourers, with the smell of fresh fish and the sound of lively trading creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the area.
After the nationwide restriction on marine fishing was lifted at midnight on June 11, fishermen headed back to the deep sea in search of catches. Within days, several trawlers began returning to the landing centre with various fish, including hilsa, pomfret, Bombay duck and shrimp.
A visit to the fish landing centre on Tuesday morning revealed workers and traders busy unloading, sorting, auctioning and transporting freshly caught fish. Commercial activity has resumed across the facility, bringing renewed momentum to the local fisheries sector.
Fisherman Abdur Rahman said the prolonged fishing ban had placed financial pressure on many fishing families.
“It was difficult to support our families during the restriction period.” After returning to the sea, we have managed to catch some fish by the grace of Allah. We hope the catches will improve further in the coming days,’ he said.
Fish trader Mohammad Selim said business at the landing centre had remained largely dormant during the ban.
‘Now that trawlers are returning, trading activities have started again. As fish supplies increase, the market is expected to return to normal,’ he said.
An auction house operator at the landing centre said the volume of fish landings was still relatively low but was expected to rise significantly over the next few days as more trawlers return from the sea.
Local fishermen said the fishing ban had provided an opportunity for marine fish to breed and replenish stocks, raising hopes of better production during the current season.
People involved in the fisheries sector said the resumption of fishing activities has benefited fishermen and revived the livelihoods of thousands of people connected to fish transportation, ice factories, auction houses and other related businesses.
With trawlers returning and trading gaining momentum, the Cox’s Bazar Fish Landing Centre has once again reclaimed its characteristic busy and energetic atmosphere.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
