With the onset of the monsoon, fishermen along the Cox’s Bazar coast are reporting abundant catches of marine fish, particularly loitta fish, one of the most commonly consumed species in the region.
Every morning, fishing trawlers laden with loitta fish are returning to the North Sonarpara coast of Cox’s Bazar, bringing renewed activity to the local fishing trade.
Local fishermen said that the presence of loitta fish in the Bay of Bengal has increased significantly over the past few days. As a result, trawlers are catching large quantities of the species alongside other marine fish.
Wholesale traders quickly purchase the fish directly from the landing sites after they are unloaded.
Fisherman Abdul Hakim reported that the wholesale market currently sells loitta fish for Tk 1,900 to Tk 2,100 per maund. The fish are later sold in local retail markets at prices ranging between Tk 110 and Tk 130 per kilogramme.
Local traders said the increased supply of loitta fish at the beginning of the monsoon has helped keep market prices relatively affordable, allowing consumers to buy marine fish at lower prices.
Fishermen expressed optimism that, if weather conditions remain favourable, the strong loitta harvest will continue over the coming weeks, providing a welcome boost to their income during the monsoon fishing season.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
