Bangladesh enforces 58-day Bay of Bengal fishing ban to protect breeding cycle

Fishing in the sea is completely prohibited during the restriction period aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity and boosting reproduction

Fishing in the Bay of Bengal came to a complete halt from midnight as Bangladesh began a 58-day seasonal ban to protect marine biodiversity and support the unrestricted breeding of 475 fish species.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said the ban will remain in force until Jun 11, during which all sea fishing activities will be fully suspended.

The government revised the duration following longstanding demands from fishermen, aligning it with India’s fishing ban period and reducing it by seven days.

A notification issued on Mar 11 fixed the annual closure from Apr 15 to Jun 11.

During this period, the government will provide food assistance to affected fishermen.

According to the ministry, 311,062 fishermen across 67 Upazilas in 14 coastal districts and Chattogram city will receive 40kg of rice each under the Vulnerable Group Feeding programme for 58 days.