Fishing activities have resumed in the Bay of Bengal as hundreds of Bangladeshi fishermen set out to sea following the end of a 58-day government-imposed fishing ban.
The restriction, which began on April 15 and ended at midnight on June 11, was aimed at allowing uninterrupted breeding of marine species, especially Hilsa.
Within hours of the ban lifting, trawlers and dinghies departed from various coastal points, marking a return to the familiar rhythm of life in fishing villages.
Many fishermen have already come back with promising catches, including Hilsa and other marine species, bringing renewed energy to local fish markets and coastal economies.
This is the first time Bangladesh enforced the ban for a continuous 58 days, aligning with neighbouring India to support regional marine conservation.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries said the uninterrupted implementation of the restriction helped ensure smooth breeding for at least 475 species of marine fish.
In anticipation of the reopening, fishermen had spent days preparing their vessels—stocking nets, ice, fuel, and food for extended trips.
While many smaller boats that stayed close to shore have already returned with good hauls, most deep-sea trawlers are still out fishing.
Authorities and fishing cooperatives expect the volume of fish to rise further in the coming days, weather permitting.
Markets along the coast have already begun buzzing with activity. Families of fishermen are engaged in processing, packaging, and selling the fresh catch, signaling a revival of livelihoods paused during the ban.
The Department of Fisheries praised the cooperation of coastal communities during the restrictions and emphasized the long-term benefits of such conservation efforts.
Plans are underway to modernize and expand similar initiatives in the future to ensure ecological balance and stable incomes for those dependent on the sea.
After nearly two months of still waters, the return of the boats has brought not just fish, but hope, reviving both the economy and the spirit of Bangladesh’s coastal regions.
SMS/
