Barguna, Sep 27 (V7N)- Thousands of fishermen in the coastal area of Patharghata, Barguna, are grappling with severe financial losses due to repeated bad weather and low fish yields. These fishermen, whose livelihoods depend heavily on sea fishing, have been severely affected since the end of the 65-day fishing blockade. Successive weather depressions have further worsened their situation, forcing many to return to shore prematurely with little to no catch.

On Thursday afternoon, at the Patharghata BFDC Fish Landing Center, the scene was bleak. Trawlers were anchored in the canals as fishermen returned from the sea empty-handed due to hostile weather. Those who ventured out to sea again after a brief respite in weather conditions faced rough seas within three days, forcing yet another return. The small amount of fish they managed to catch would not even fetch a profitable price in the market.

Speaking to fishermen at the landing center, it became clear that many are struggling to stay afloat. On September 13, they had already returned to shore due to bad weather. After three days back at sea, they had to abandon fishing efforts once again as the sea became too dangerous to navigate.

Nasir Uddin, a fisherman operating a trawler, expressed his despair, stating, "We haven’t seen any profits so far this year. If these losses continue, I'll have no choice but to change professions and look for new work."

Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, President of the Barguna District Trawler Owners Association, also highlighted the severity of the situation. "This year, the fishermen have suffered the most due to low pressure compared to the past five years. Many trawler owners have taken loans to send their boats out to sea, but the continuous losses have left them deeply concerned. If the situation doesn’t improve, people will be forced to find alternative livelihoods."

The economic strain caused by the weather has left thousands of fishermen and their families in Patharghata anxious and uncertain about the future. With little to show for their hard work, they now face the difficult task of counting their losses and searching for new opportunities if conditions do not improve soon.

END/MR/AJ