Photo: BSS

PATUAKHALI, June 20, 2026 (BSS) - A prolonged spell of rough weather in the Bay of Bengal has led to a severe shortage of fish in coastal markets of Patuakhali, as thousands of fishing trawlers and boats remain anchored in safe shelters instead of venturing into the deep sea.

Fishermen said strong winds, high waves, and unfavorable sea conditions have made fishing operations risky, forcing them to suspend their voyages. As a result, the supply of marine fish has dropped significantly, causing prices to rise in local markets.

Fishermen in coastal areas have expressed deep disappointment after returning from the sea with far lower catches than expected following the end of a 58-day government fishing ban aimed at protecting marine fish breeding.

Thousands of fishing trawlers have taken shelter in the Khaprabhanga River near Mahipur and Alipur as rough conditions developed in the Bay of Bengal adjacent to Kuakata under the influence of the active monsoon.

According to local sources, the 58-day ban on marine fishing ended at midnight on June 11. Soon after, hundreds of trawlers set out for deep-sea fishing with high expectations. However, most returned empty or with very limited catches due to poor fish availability and adverse weather conditions.

Since Saturday morning, trawlers have been anchoring one after another in the Khaprabhanga River, reporting minimal catch and growing financial pressure. Fishermen say rising fuel, ice, and food costs have worsened their losses, pushing many further into debt.

Abdur Rahman, a fisherman from Mahipur, said he spent days at sea without catching fish despite heavy effort. "I went to sea with high hopes after the ban. But I have not caught enough fish even to cover my costs," he said, adding that he has now returned to safety with his trawler.

Another fisherman from Alipur, Md. Jasim Uddin, said rough seas and strong waves have made fishing dangerous and unprofitable. "We invested several lakh taka, but came back almost empty-handed," he said.

Several fishermen blamed illegal fishing during the ban period, claiming it disrupted fish reproduction cycles. They urged stronger monitoring to prevent violations and protect marine resources.

Fisherman Nur Islam said the expected increase in fish stocks after the ban was not seen in reality, while Md. Harun accused "unscrupulous trawlers" of undermining conservation efforts. Many also warned that continued losses could force them to change professions.

Fish traders in Mahipur reported a sharp drop in supply at landing stations, leading to reduced availability of key species such as hilsa, rupchanda, and laitta, with prices already rising in local markets.

District Fisheries Officer Bijen Kumar Nandi said there is currently no special government support program for losses caused by rough weather after the fishing ban. He suggested that alternative income opportunities and water-based livelihood programs could help reduce pressure on fishermen during such periods.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that the sea remains rough over the northern Bay of Bengal due to active monsoon conditions, advising small vessels and trawlers to remain in safe shelter.

Authorities and local stakeholders say improved enforcement against illegal fishing, along with sustainable marine resource management and weather preparedness, is essential to stabilize the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.