Coast Guard warns artisanal trawling boats threatening marine biodiversity

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has warned that the use of artisanal trawling boats for fishing is severely damaging the country's marine biodiversity, disrupting fish breeding, and destroying underwater vegetation and juvenile fish — ultimately threatening the ecological balance of the Bay of Bengal.

During a public awareness campaign on hilsa conservation in Chandpur today (7 October), Coast Guard Dhaka Zone Staff Officer (Operations) Lieutenant Md Rafayel Monowar Utsab highlighted the issue, stating that such fishing practices could lead to a future "fish crisis" in the Bay, reads a press release.

Photo: Courtesy

He said, "To protect Bangladesh's fisheries resources, the Coast Guard continues regular drives to prevent jatka [premature hilsa] catching, conserve mother hilsa, and enforce fishing bans in the sea. The illegal use of artisanal trawling boats has already declined due to ongoing drives, which will help restore fish abundance in marine and river areas."

Marking the hilsa breeding season, the government has imposed a 22-day nationwide ban — from 4 to 25 October — on catching, transporting, storing, marketing, and selling hilsa under the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950.

Lieutenant Utsab said the Coast Guard has strengthened surveillance and patrols across coastal and river areas to enforce the restrictions, along with public awareness activities including loudspeaker campaigns, leaflet distribution, and discussion sessions with local fishers.

He added that coordinated operations are being carried out with the district administration, the Department of Fisheries, the navy, and the police to ensure compliance and take legal action against violators.

"We believe today's conservation ensures tomorrow's abundance," the officer said, urging fishermen to cooperate with the Coast Guard in protecting mother hilsa and sustaining the nation's blue economy.