Fishers in Talatali, Barguna, say hilsa catches in the Payra River remain poor despite the peak fishing season, leaving about 8,000 coastal fishing families in severe hardship. The report, published on August 20, 2026, says the usual hilsa season spans Ashar, Shraban, Bhadra and Ashwin, when fishers typically earn enough to cover annual expenses. Yet little hilsa has been caught even after two months of the season.

Fishers blame submerged sandbars at the sea estuary and alleged discharge of warm water and chemical waste from the Isotec thermal power plant. The Baraia submerged shoal extends about 20 kilometres across the Payra-Bishkhali estuary, while Nalbunia, Padma and Kumirmara shoals also lie near the river entrance. They become walkable at low tide and create strong currents and rough waves during high tide.

Aquaculture specialist Mir Mohammad Ali said shallow water, navigability problems, warm water and waste could hinder hilsa movement and breeding. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Victor Bain also cited reduced navigability and weaker tidal currents. Local fishers have demanded dredging of the submerged shoals and controls on power-plant waste.