Illegal and converted artisanal trawling boats are increasingly operating in the coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal off Mahipur, Alipur, Kuakata and Ashakhali in Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila, raising concerns over the depletion of marine resources.
Using banned fine-mesh nets and modern fish detection technology the trawlers are indiscriminately harvesting fish fry, juvenile fish, egg-bearing brood fish, shrimp larvae, crabs and other marine organisms, according to local fishermen and fisheries stakeholders.
Experts said the practice is severely disrupting the natural breeding cycle of marine species, threatening long-term fish production and the country’s blue economy.
Local fishermen said the number of converted trawling boats operating in Mahipur-Alipur region has increased significantly over the past year.
While around 40 to 45 such vessels were active in 2025, the figure has now risen to nearly 60.
New wooden fishing boats are reportedly being converted into trawlers at a cost of Tk 3-4 million each in pursuit of higher profits.
Marine experts say the bottom trawling method used by these vessels is particularly destructive.
Heavy nets dragged along the seabed damage corals, seagrass, shellfish habitats and other benthic ecosystems, disrupting the marine food chain and reducing fish reproduction over the long term.
Although large trawlers are legally required to fish in deeper waters, fishermen alleged that many are operating close to the coast, often within a few nautical miles of the shoreline. As a result, coastal breeding grounds and fish sanctuaries are being damaged, they said.
The vessels are also equipped with advanced technologies such as fish finders, GPS, radar, echo sounders and winch machines, enabling operators to locate and harvest fish shoals with high efficiency.
This has left traditional fishermen using small boats and conventional gear unable to compete.
Fishermen at Mahipur and Alipur fishing ports alleged that large trawlers frequently run over their fishing nets, causing losses worth hundreds of thousands of taka.
They also claimed that protests are sometimes met with intimidation and threats.
“We spend days at sea only to return empty-handed, while a handful of influential trawler owners continue destroying fish stocks through illegal trawling,” said fisherman Anwar Hossain. “If the authorities are serious, they can stop it within a day.”
Another fisherman, Abul Kashem, said juvenile fish are being destroyed before they can mature.
“Millions of fish fry are being wiped out every day. If this continues, there will be little left for future generations of fishermen,” he said.
According to fisheries experts, climate change, marine pollution and illegal trawling are jointly placing Bangladesh’s marine fisheries under severe pressure.
The destruction of brood fish and juveniles could significantly reduce the production of hilsa as well as other commercially important species, including lakha, poa, pomfret and shrimp.
They said continued overexploitation could undermine national food security, export earnings and the country’s blue economy.
Some fishermen alleged that illegal trawlers have continued operating openly for years due to the alleged protection or indirect support of a section of dishonest officials at district and upazila levels, as well as some members of the river police.
However, no independent evidence was available to substantiate the allegations.
Mahipur Fish Market Owners’ Association Vice-President Raju Ahmed Raja said repeated discussions have failed to curb illegal trawling.
“Instead, the number of illegal trawlers is increasing every year. Without strict monitoring and enforcement by the authorities, the problem is unlikely to be resolved,” he said.
Fisheries Officer Bakhtiar Ahmed acknowledged that illegal nets are destroying brood fish and juveniles, resulting in declining fish production.
“Strict enforcement of fisheries laws and a complete ban on illegal nets are essential to protect biodiversity, food security and the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on marine fisheries,” he said.
Kuakata River Police Outpost In-Charge Moniruzzaman said legal proceedings over illegal trawling boats are currently pending before the court.
“We are conducting drives against illegal fishing and banned nets. However, logistical limitations sometimes affect operations in deeper waters,” he said.
Patuakhali District Fisheries Officer Bijon Kumar Nandi said the issue was being treated with utmost importance.
“The matter is under judicial consideration. Surveillance and enforcement drives will be intensified in coordination with the Coast Guard, River Police, relevant government agencies, local public representatives and fishermen’s organisations,” he said.