After a 58-day government fishing ban ended, thousands of fishermen from Kuakata, Mahipur, and Alipur in Patuakhali returned to the Bay of Bengal hoping for a good catch. However, rough seas caused by a low-pressure system in the northwest Bay, combined with illegal trawling and repeated trawler sinkings, have left most boats returning empty or with minimal fish. Many fishermen are now facing severe financial distress, unable to recover fuel and labor costs.

Local fishermen accuse large trawlers equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finders of operating illegally near the coast using banned fine-mesh nets, destroying juvenile fish and damaging smaller boats’ nets. In response, fishermen have held protests and submitted a memorandum demanding the removal of the local senior fisheries officer for failing to stop illegal trawling. At least 13 fishermen remain missing after three trawler sinkings near Kuakata.

Authorities have advised caution due to ongoing rough weather, while local residents urge stronger enforcement against illegal trawling, emergency aid for affected fishermen, and coordinated rescue efforts for the missing.