TDS Desk:

Defying stormy seas and a 58-day fishing ban, the crew of the fishing trawler FB Sadia-2 struck gold in the Bay of Bengal, hauling in 65 maunds of hilsa fish worth nearly Tk 38 lakh.

The massive catch, landed at the Alipur Fisheries Landing Centre on Sunday afternoon, has brought a glimmer of hope to fishermen battered by recent challenges.

The journey began on July 10, when 23 fishermen, led by skipper Shahabuddin, set sail from Alipur Ghat. Venturing 150 kilometres east-southeast of Kuakata, they cast their nets in the deep sea on July 12, navigating turbulent waters after months of restrictions and hostile weather.

Their persistence paid off with a staggering catch, which was auctioned at M/s Khan Fish for Tk 39,60,140.

The hilsa were sorted into three size categories for the sale: Fishes weighing 900 grams to 1 kg are sold for Tk 95,000 (Tk 2,375 per kg); 600 to 800 grams are for Tk 70,000 (Tk 1,750 per kg); and 400 to 500 grams are sold for Tk 56,000 (Tk 1,400 per kg). Additional fish in the haul fetched Tk 1,17,000, boosting the total value of the catch.

Skipper Shahabuddin, reflecting on the gruelling season, shared his relief: “After the 58-day ban and repeated bouts of rough weather, this is the first time we’ve landed a substantial catch. Alhamdulillah, it’s a blessing.” The haul marks a turning point for the crew, who had faced dwindling catches and financial strain.

Md Sagar Islam, manager of Khan Fish, emphasized the significance of the catch: “The seas have been unkind lately, with low yields leaving fishermen in distress. This sale will help them recover some losses and regain confidence.” The auction drew eager buyers, underscoring the high demand for hilsa, Bangladesh’s prized “silver of the sea.”

The bumper catch comes on the heels of a government-imposed fishing ban, designed to protect hilsa stocks during their breeding season.

Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha highlighted its impact: “The ban, combined with adverse weather, has been tough on fishermen, but it’s yielding results. This catch shows the benefits of conservation. If the weather holds, we expect more abundant hauls in the coming weeks.”