Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

Ignoring government regulations, illegal and converted 'artisanal trawling boats' are rampant in the Bay of Bengal adjacent to Kuakata in Patuakhali.

Using banned ultra-small gillnets and modern technology, they are indiscriminately destroying fish fry, larvae, egg-laying mother fish, crabs, shrimp fry and food for marine animals, severely damaging the natural reproductive system of the sea. As a result, the production of various species of fish including Hilsa has decreased at an alarming rate, adversely affecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of marginal fishermen in the coastal region, said fisheries experts.

According to local fishermen and fisheries-related sources, about 50 to 60 converted trawling boats were active in the Mahipur-Alipur area of the upazila's Mahipur police station last year. This year, that number has increased to 70-80. New wooden trawlers are being illegally converted into trawling boats. In the hope of quick profit, an ordinary trawler is being converted into a trawling boat at a cost of 30 to 40 lakh taka. Although these large trawling boats are supposed to fish in the deep sea, in reality they are entering the coastal shallow waters and fishing.

Local fishermen said that sometimes these boats cast their nets within a few nautical miles from the coast. As a result, coastal breeding grounds and fish sanctuaries are being directly damaged.

According to experts, the 'bottom trawling' method used in trawling boats is very harmful to the environment of the seabed. Heavy nets rub against the seabed, destroying corals, sea grass, snail and oyster habitats, and the ecosystem of various microorganisms. This collapses the marine food system. And in the long run, fish reproduction and production are severely disrupted.

In addition, modern technology including fish finders, GPS, radar, echo sounders, winch machines are being used in these trawling boats. As a result, it is possible to easily identify fish schools and harvest them at a large rate. Due to this, small boats and ordinary trawler-dependent fishermen are unable to survive in the competition.

Ordinary fishermen of Mahipur and Alipur ports complain that large trawling boats often pass over their nets. This tears nets worth lakhs of taka and small fishermen face losses. In many cases, threats and intimidation also occur when they protest.

Mahipur fisherman Hossain said, we go to sea day after day and return empty-handed without catching fish. However, some influential trawler owners are killing fish and fry in the sea through illegal trawling. The administration can stop all this in a day if they want. But for some mysterious reason, they are not stopping it.

Ashakhali fisherman Abul Kashem said, small fish are being destroyed before they grow up. Millions of fish are being killed every day. If this continues, fishermen will have nothing to catch in the future.

Fisheries experts say that marine fisheries are currently at extreme risk due to climate change, ocean pollution and illegal trawling. Especially due to the killing of egg-laying mother fish and fry, the natural reproduction of fish is being hampered. As a result, the production of not only Hilsa but also various economically important fish including Laksha, Poya, Rupchanda, and Shrimp may decrease. At the same time, the country's food security, export earnings and the potential of the Sunil economy will also be under threat.

Fishermen allege that these illegal trawlers are openly fishing in the sea year after year due to the indirect benefits of some dishonest officials at the district and upazila levels and a section of the naval police.

Former President of Mahipur Matsya Arat Malik Samiti and UP Chairman Md. Fazlu Gazi said that there have been discussions several times to stop illegal trawling. But it has not yielded much results. On the contrary, it is increasing day by day compared to before. It is not possible to stop this illegal fishing trawling unless the administration strictly monitors it.

In this regard, Kalapara Fisheries Officer Md. Bakhtiar Ahmed said, due to illegal nets, fish eggs and fry are being killed. As a result, fish production is decreasing and fisheries are under threat. It is important to stop illegal nets and enforce strict laws to protect the country's food security, biodiversity and livelihood of millions of people.

Kuakata Naval Police Outpost In-Charge

Md. Moniruzzaman said, a case is ongoing in the court regarding the trawling boat. We are active against illegal fishing and banned nets. However, we have logistical limitations in conducting operations in the deep sea.

Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha said, we have been conducting operations against this illegal trawling.

Patuakhali District Fisheries Officer Bijan Kumar Nandi said, the issue of the trawling boat is being viewed with great importance. Surveillance and operations will be further strengthened with the cooperation of the Coast Guard, Naval Police, relevant agencies, public representatives, and fishermen.