Patuakhali Correspondent: Fishermen and trawler owners are facing a severe crisis after the fishing season in Kalapara, a coastal town in the district, failed to produce the anticipated hilsa, even with the season underway. Continuous adverse weather has prevented many trawlers from venturing into deep waters. Those who do manage to go out are returning either empty-handed or with minimal catches. On one hand, they are incurring significant losses, spending lakhs of taka at sea, while on the other, the supply of hilsa in the market is dwindling, leading to rising prices. Overall, the coast presents a scene of quiet despair.
Trawler owner Shamsu Bepari mentioned that he has made five trips this season. Each trip requires at least 17 to 18 fishermen to accompany the trawler. The costs, which include fuel, ice, food, and net repairs, total around 2.5 lakh taka. He is already burdened with debts exceeding 8 lakh taka. He expressed that rather than earning a profit, the market expenses are not even increasing.
Kamal Hossain, a shopkeeper in Mahipur, stated, “Fish is not arriving as it used to. Sales have significantly dropped. Workers are struggling to make ends meet with their wages. The fish shortage is so severe that many are now seeking other jobs.”
District Fisheries Officer Kamrul Islam reported that within 24 days of the season’s start, fishermen along the coast have incurred losses amounting to several crores of taka. Adverse weather and natural changes have drastically reduced the availability of hilsa, placing fishermen in a dire situation. However, he remains hopeful that fishing will normalize once the weather improves.
Despite numerous challenges, the fishermen’s fight for survival continues. Some are mending torn nets, others are loading ice onto their trawlers, and some are busy gathering fuel. Even with disappointment etched on their faces, they are preparing to head out to sea once more, filled with hope.

Hundreds of trawlers are still lying at the wharfs of the Mahipur and Alipur coasts. Some trawlers are taking risks and crossing into the deep sea. Because this sea is their livelihood. They depend on the sea. The only hope is that if the weather is normal, the nets will be filled with silver hilsa.