The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday imposed a seasonal fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal and riverine water bodies for 58 days, aiming to protect marine biodiversity, ensure safe breeding and sustain fish stocks.
A notification signed by HM Khalid Iftekhar, deputy secretary of tthe Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said that fishing by any vessel will remain prohibited from April 15 to June 11.
The measure aims to ensure proper fish reproduction, conserve marine resources and promote sustainable fishing practices.
The ban applies to all types of fishing vessels, said the notification.
According to the notification, the ban is in accordance with the Marine Fisheries Rules, 2023, which empowers the government to restrict fishing activities during the breeding season.
The government reduced the fishing ban during the breeding season from 65 days to 58 days this year.
With the new notification in effect, the previous one, issued on Apr 24, 2022, has been repealed, the ministry said.