The Coast Guard has arrested 79 fishermen, including four trawlers, in the Hatia Nalchira area of Noakhali for fishing in the sea in defiance of the government's 65-day ban on hilsa breeding. At that time 760 kg of marine fish was seized from them. Each of the seized trawlers was later fined Tk 40,000 by a mobile court.
Coast Guard Hatia conducted the operation on Tuesday morning. Later, in the presence of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Fisheries Officer, the seized 760 kg fish was sold at auction for Tk 90,000.
Coast Guard South Zone Media Officer Lt. Confirming the matter, KM Shafiul Kinjal said the Coast Guard has been conducting operations in the Meghna River and the sea since Monday afternoon to enforce the 75-day ban on fish breeding, production, conservation of marine fisheries and sustainable fisheries. During the operation, 69 fishermen including 4 fishing trawlers were detained while fishing in Nalchira area. Later, their trawler was searched and 60 kg of fish was seized. Later on Tuesday morning, they were fined Tk 40,000 by a mobile court. The Coast Guard's campaign to protect fishery resources will continue.
It may be mentioned that the 75-day ban on fish breeding, production, conservation of marine fishery resources and sustainable fishing, which started on May 20, will continue till July 23.