Navy seizes illegal nets, fish worth Tk18 crore from 12 boats in Bay, 61 detained
61 fishermen found on the boats were detained for violating the fishing ban. The detained individuals were later handed over to the local administration for legal action
In a move to protect the country's marine resources, the Bangladesh Navy has seized twelve fishing boats carrying illegal nets and fish worth an estimated Tk18 crore.
Additionally, 61 fishermen found on the boats were detained for violating the fishing ban. The detained individuals were later handed over to the local administration for legal action.
The operation was carried out yesterday (12 May), by naval ship BNS Shaheed Farid in the Down area of Cox's Bazar and its surrounding waters in the Bay of Bengal, reads a press release.
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This operation is part of a broader, ongoing campaign by the Navy to enforce the 58-day fishing ban aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and preventing the capture of juvenile hilsa, commonly known as jatka.
The ban, implemented to support sustainable fish reproduction and conserve national fishery resources, has prompted intensified surveillance and enforcement in the country's marine and coastal zones.
During the operation, the Navy recovered a massive quantity of illegal fishing equipment. The seized items included approximately 450,000 meters of current nets, 520 behundi nets, and an additional 16,000 meters of various other unauthorized nets. Alongside these, about 220 kilograms of fish were also confiscated from the detained vessels.
Authorities have estimated the total market value of the seized goods to be around Tk18 crore.
Following standard procedures, the illegal nets were destroyed in the presence of an executive magistrate and representatives from the Department of Fisheries.
The destruction took place near Ali Akbar Delghat, where the seized nets were set ablaze to prevent any further misuse. The confiscated fish were distributed among local orphanages, ensuring that the fish did not go to waste and were instead used for public welfare.
This seizure adds to the growing list of successful interventions made under the Navy's ongoing special operation against illegal fishing.
As of now, a total of Tk193.31 crore worth of illegal nets, fishing equipment, and juvenile fish have been confiscated since the launch of the 2025 seasonal ban enforcement.
The Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the country's marine resources, ensuring biodiversity, and promoting sustainable fisheries. By strictly enforcing the fishing ban and taking strong action against violations, the Navy is actively working to secure the future of Bangladesh's maritime economy.
Officials involved in the operation stressed the importance of public cooperation in making the campaign successful. They also highlighted that such stringent measures are necessary to rebuild fish stocks, protect endangered species like jatka, and secure the livelihoods of fishing communities in the long run.
With the monsoon approaching and breeding season underway, the Navy's efforts are expected to intensify further in the coming weeks.
The 2025 fishing ban campaign has been hailed as a crucial step toward achieving long-term sustainability in the marine sector and ensuring that future generations benefit from the rich aquatic resources of the Bay of Bengal.
