A 58-day fishing ban is currently in effect in the Bay of Bengal to protect and enhance marine fish species’ breeding, production, and conservation. The restriction, which prohibits catching any kind of marine fish, will remain in place until June 11.
As a result, the prices of marine fish have surged in various markets across Cox’s Bazar. Vendors report that while demand remains high, the lack of fresh supply has pushed prices up, particularly for different varieties of sea fish.
A visit to local markets revealed that small-sized chapila fish now sell at Tk 180–200 per kilogram. Small red poa from the sea is priced at Tk 240 per kilogram, while medium-sized sea poa is sold for Tk 300 per kilogram. Rita fish is priced at Tk 200 per kilogram, loitta (Bombay duck) at Tk 140 per kilogram, and surma fish at Tk 250 per kilogram.
Besides marine species, locally farmed freshwater fish are available in the markets. Pangas fish remains the most affordable, selling at Tk 150–160 per kilogram. Farmed koi fish is priced at Tk 220 per kilogram, while small-sized rui fish ranges between Tk 240 and Tk 300 per kilogram.
Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Polash Shikdar
