Fishermen returned to sea for fishing on Friday as a 65-day ban on sea fishing ended the previous day.
More than 200 fishing trawlers, which remained docked since May 20 last because of the ban, went to sea for fishing in the current season, sources said.
The weather in this season is comparatively better than in other years, they added.
Besides, all 68,000 engine and non-mechanised fishing boats have also started fishing in the sea, they said.
Organising secretary of the Fishing Boat Association Mostak Ahmed said, "More than 7,000 engine boats have gone fishing as the ban imposed by the government ended yesterday (July 23)."
Officials of the Fisheries Department in Chattogram said the quantity of fish catch is increasing significantly day by day due to the ban on fishing during the brooding season. As per Rule 55 (2) of Maritime Fisheries Act 1983, the government imposes the ban on fishing to help boost the fisheries resources in the sea.
They said the fisheries department took special measures during the ban. It conducted mobile court drives to check fishing at that time and also gave rice and food to fishermen as they stayed off sea.
In the last several days, the fishermen in the villages of Patenga, Sitakunda, Anwara, and Banshkhali remained busy repairing their nets and collecting ice as part of their preparations for fishing.
Besides, fishermen also renovated their boats.
Sources said the government imposes the ban on sea fishing from May 20 to July 23 every year, aiming to enhance fish stock and ensure their proper breeding.
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