Mongla, Jan 06, (V7N) - The dry fish industry in Dublar Char, located in the Sundarbans, is grappling with a severe fish shortage. Despite being the peak fishing season, fishermen are failing to catch sufficient fish from the deep sea. Drying platforms and processing areas that are typically bustling with various fish species now stand largely empty.

According to fishermen and dry fish traders, the dry fish season commenced on November 4 this year. However, since the beginning, the catch volume has been notably low. High-value fish like Loitta, Churi, Rupchanda, and Laksha are rare in the nets, while most of the catch consists of low-value small shrimp, Chhaila, and Parse, priced between 200 to 300 BDT per kilogram. In contrast, Loitta fetches 600 to 800 BDT per kg, Churi 700 to 1,000 BDT, Rupchanda 2,000 to 3,000 BDT, and Laksha up to 5,000 BDT per kg.

Due to the scarcity, traders from Dublar Char’s four fishing zones, including Alorkol, are worried about significant losses. The Forest Department also fears a shortfall in revenue this year as dry fish production remains insufficient.

Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters

The Forest Department attributes the fish shortage to climate change, which is altering the depth and flow of seawater. Frequent natural disasters and turbulent seas have also hindered fishing activities. Fishermen reported being unable to venture into the sea between December 20 and 26 due to adverse weather conditions.

Traders Facing Financial Challenges

In Alorkol, the largest dry fish production hub in Dublar Char, traders like Sultan Mahmud Pintu, Haque Biswas, Nadimul Islam, and Amanat Ali revealed they invested between 15 to 20 million BDT each in the business. However, poor catches and two spells of adverse weather have jeopardized their investments. The traders noted that each fisherman’s monthly salary ranges between 80,000 and 150,000 BDT, which they must pay regardless of fish catches.

Many platforms and drying racks remain unused due to the lack of fish. If the current shortage persists, traders fear they might not even recover their principal investments, let alone make a profit.

Estimated Losses

According to Md. Asaduzzaman, in charge of Alorkol’s patrol outpost under the Shoronkhola range of the Eastern Sundarbans, traders in Alorkol alone have incurred losses of 160 to 170 million BDT last week. Combined with losses from the smaller fishing hubs of Majherkilla, Narikelbari, and Shaler Char, the total damage exceeds 200 million BDT. Additionally, the Forest Department anticipates a revenue shortfall of 10 to 12 million BDT this season.

Forest Department’s Statement

Divisional Forest Officer Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim confirmed the low fish availability, adding that most of the catch consists of low-value small fish. Last year, the dry fish sector generated 72.3 million BDT in revenue, but this year’s target of 80 million BDT seems unattainable. Overfishing before the dry fish season may have also contributed to the reduced fish population, further compounding the crisis.

The dry fish traders and fishermen urge immediate attention to address the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters to sustain their livelihoods and the government’s revenue stream.

Voice7 News Report:

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