The 58-day fishing ban ended at midnight on June 11, having been imposed to ensure the safe breeding of hilsa and other marine fish. However, frequent bouts of rough weather have left the sea turbulent, forcing most fishermen to stay ashore.
Since June 17, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 for all four maritime ports, advising vessels to remain close to the coast and avoid deep-sea voyages.
A visit to Cox’s Bazar’s Fishery Ghat and Kasturaghat reveals that most deep-sea and coastal fishing trawlers have returned early due to inclement weather. Many of these trawlers failed to catch hilsa or other large fish. Instead, they brought in mixed varieties such as shrimp, loitta (bombay duck), chhuri (ribbonfish), shapla (catfish), black pomfret, and silver pomfret.
Trawler owners and fishermen said that the rough sea conditions have made deep-sea fishing too dangerous. As a result, many trawlers are returning well before schedule, cutting their trips short to avoid potential risks.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
