Fish farming is a crucial source of income for people in the coastal districts of Bangladesh. In vast expanses of land, these coastal communities cultivate shrimp, known as “white gold,” and other fish species in enclosures and ponds. This industry not only sustains local livelihoods but also contributes significantly to the country’s foreign exchange through exports. However, the catastrophic Cyclone Remal has shattered the dreams of many fish farmers this year, causing severe damage to their enclosures and ponds.
Massive Losses in Coastal Districts
The aftermath of Cyclone Remal has been devastating for the coastal fish farming sector. Floods triggered by the storm have washed away numerous fish enclosures and ponds, leading to substantial financial losses. Fisheries officials estimate that the total loss for coastal residents could exceed thousands of rupees. Here are detailed reports from various districts:
Khulna
In Khulna, floods swept away 8,875 ponds and fish farms. According to the district administration, 5,575 fisheries and 300 ponds were inundated, resulting in the loss of 1,835 tons of white fish and 1,724 tons of shrimp. The total financial loss for fish farmers is estimated at 168 crore 56 lakh taka.
Bagerhat
Cyclone Remal caused extensive flooding in Bagerhat, breaking dams and inundating the area. At least 35,000 fish were washed away, resulting in a loss of approximately 73 crore taka. The storm damaged infrastructure worth 3 crore taka. District Fisheries Officer A.S.M. Russell reported significant losses of white fish, crabs, shrimp, and their fry, amounting to 70 crore taka.
Satkhira
Although the strong tides caused by Cyclone Remal did not break the dams, continuous rain damaged 200 hectares of fish houses and 204 hectares of crops.
Noakhali
In Noakhali, the cyclone damaged nine and a half ponds, resulting in a loss of about 55 lakh taka. Additionally, 167 boats and trawlers were destroyed, and 147 prisoners were injured. The estimated loss of fishery resources in three upazillas is approximately 8 crore 40 lakh taka.
Laxmipur
In Laxmipur, 45 tons of fish were lost in 510 ponds, farms, and enclosures across 20 unions in Sadar, Ramgati, Kamalnagar, Raipur, and Ramganj, amounting to a loss of around 90 lakh taka. This information was provided by District Fisheries Officer Billal Hossain.
Patuakhali
The district suffered damage to 14,928 ponds and fish enclosures, resulting in losses of about 30 crore taka. District Senior Fisheries Officer Kamrul Islam reported this significant impact.
Pirojpur
Flooding in Pirojpur affected 10,000 ponds, enclosures, and reservoirs, washing away approximately 1,800 tons of various fish species.
Feni
In Sonagazi, the cyclone washed away 35 fish ponds, causing a loss of around 48 lakh taka.
Barguna
The district disaster management committee reported that 4,157 hectares of fish enclosures and reservoirs in Barguna were damaged by the floods.
Jhalkathi
Flooding submerged 2,070 ponds and 159 fish enclosures in Jhalkathi, causing extensive damage.
Cyclone Remal has had a devastating impact on fish farming in Bangladesh’s coastal districts. The severe damage to fish enclosures, ponds, and infrastructure has resulted in massive financial losses for fish farmers. As the communities begin to assess and recover from this disaster, it is crucial to provide support and resources to help them rebuild their livelihoods and sustain this vital industry.
