A converted artisanal trawling boat caught about 80 maunds of hilsa in two days in the Bay of Bengal near Kuakata, Patuakhali. The FB Abdullah arrived at Alipur Fish Landing Centre on Wednesday afternoon with the catch, which was auctioned by Sifat Fish for about Tk20 lakh. Its skipper Badsha said 18 fishers went to deep sea four days earlier and netted the large haul near the last buoy of Payra Port on Tuesday. He said the fish were comparatively small.

Fishers from Kuakata, Mohipur, Alipur and Ashakhali said they often return at a loss after failing to cover fuel, ice, food and labour costs. They allege that illegal trawling boats use fish finders, GPS, radar and fine-mesh nets to locate shoals and catch large quantities at once, reducing opportunities for ordinary fishers.

Experts warn that catching small hilsa, fry and other marine animals could reduce breeding stock and harm biodiversity. Fisheries official Apu Saha said legal action is being taken under the marine fisheries law, with boat owners warned and several boats previously seized and prosecuted.