All kinds of fishing are set to be banned for 65 days in the Bay of Bengal.
Violators of the restrictions may face two years in jail and fines of Tk 3 lakh to Tk 25 lakh.
The Bay of Bengal adjacent to Kuakata is a treasure trove of coastal fisheries. In order to ensure proper protection and increase of fishery resources, the Government of Bangladesh and the Department of Fisheries have issued a ban on all types of fishing for 65 consecutive days in deep or shallow sea boundaries with strict restrictions and penalties. The blockade will continue from May 20 to July 23.
Hundreds of thousands of coastal fishermen are making a living in the Bay of Bengal adjacent to Kuakata. The demand for fishes of the whole country has been met for ages by catching different species of fish at different points of the Bay of Bengal in pursuit of livelihood.
The government has banned all types of fishing in the seas of Bangladesh for 65 days from May 20 to July 23 in fear of the declining fish production. With the ban taking its course, the fishing boats are anchored at the Alipore-Mahipur fishing port or at a safe place in Kuakata.
During the blockade, 18,305 fishermen of the upazila will be provided 56 kg food aid in the first phase. However, if there is any violation of the blockade, the amount of fish will be fined. The accused fishermen will be fined a maximum of Tk 25 lakh and jailed for two years for fishing against restrictions. The Fisheries Department has confirmed that the accused will be jailed and fined a maximum of Tk 10 lakh and a minimum of Tk 3 lakh 34 thousand for stocking fish from any storekeeper.
The Coast Guard, Naval Police, Upazila Administration and Fisheries Department will be at their disposal to make the blockade successful. The government and thousands of people in the fishing industry hope that the government's 65-day blockade will bring benefits to the rehabilitation of fishermen as well as the protection of fisheries and their breeding.
