Fishermen on coastal belt busy repairing trawlers, nets due to fishing ban in Bay
Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)
Every year, the government imposes a ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal and rivers for 22 days during the Hilsa breeding season. According to the announcement of the Department of Fisheries, this ban is aimed at preserving Hilsa during its main breeding season.
As a result of the government's initiative to protect mother Hilsa during the breeding season, sea-going fishermen are currently refraining from fishing. Fishermen in coastal areas are not sitting still during this time. They are busy using this time to repair their trawlers and nets. Many have also focused on painting their trawlers, repairing nets, and fixing engine parts.
On-site visits to various fishing villages and docks in the fishing port areas of Mahipur, Alipur and Kuakata have shown that fishermen are busy repairing fishing trawlers, boats and nets day and night.
Local fish trader Md. Elias said, "These 22 days of free time are an opportunity for us to repair everything. The fishermen are repairing trawlers, fixing nets, servicing engines, everything so that they can go fishing with full enthusiasm after the ban is lifted."
Fisherman Ali Majhi said, "During the fishing ban, we are repairing the trawler and fixing the old nets. We will have to go to sea again once the ban is lifted, so we are organizing all kinds of work."
Fisherman leader Md. 7 Mostafa Majhi said, "Many fishermen become unemployed during this time. Although rice is provided as government assistance, it is often not sufficient. Many fishermen are also deprived of government assistance because they do not have a fisherman's card. We want all those who are genuine fishermen to enjoy government assistance through a fisherman's card."
Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha said, "Such a ban during the main breeding season of Hilsa plays a helpful role in increasing Hilsa production. This step makes Hilsa breeding safe and subsequently has a positive impact on the supply and price of Hilsa in the market." He also said that 100% ban will be implemented in Kalapara Upazila.
Kalapara UNO Md. Kausar Hamid said, "If anyone goes to the sea to fish during this time, legal action will be taken against them. Patrols by the Coast Guard, Naval Police and Fisheries Department have been strengthened. Implementing this ban during the Hilsa breeding season will cause temporary hardship to fishermen, but in the long run, fish production will increase.
