The 58-day government-imposed ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal will officially end at midnight Wednesday, paving the way for thousands of fishermen to return to sea, with the prized Hilsa catch in their sights.
The annual restriction, which began on April 15, prohibited the catching, selling, and transportation of all types of fish and crustaceans in Bangladesh’s marine waters. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock had shortened this year’s ban to 58 days—down from 65 in previous years—following consultations with experts and stakeholders.
Speaking at a prior briefing at the Secretariat, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said the seasonal moratorium is aimed at protecting breeding cycles and ensuring long-term sustainability of marine resources, particularly Hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish.
“Scientific data shows that the 65-day ban had led to a 12.78% increase in marine fishery production in recent years,” she said, adding that the revised 58-day window was based on technical recommendations balancing ecological need with fishermen’s livelihoods.
A technical committee comprising experts from the Department of Fisheries, the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, and other marine science stakeholders recommended the adjusted timeframe to better align with the peak breeding season of commercially important species.
As the ban lifts, coastal communities are abuzz with activity. Fishermen across the country are preparing their nets and boats to venture into the open sea at the stroke of midnight, eager to capitalize on the expected Hilsa bounty.
However, the adviser also raised concerns about foreign fishing vessels reportedly encroaching on Bangladesh’s exclusive economic zone during the ban period, exploiting the absence of domestic boats. She stressed the need for greater regional cooperation to prevent cross-border violations during conservation periods.
Fishing communities and industry groups have echoed calls for more coordinated efforts with neighboring countries to ensure the effectiveness of the ban.
The government has promised to monitor the post-ban period closely to assess catch volumes, enforce regulations, and measure the ecological impact of the reduced restriction timeframe.
