Photo : BSS

PATUAKHALI, Sept 5, 2025 (BSS) - Two large coral fishes drew huge crowds here in the Kuakata fish market this morning.

One of the fish weighed 27 kilograms and the other 17 kilograms. The two fishes were sold through auction at Tk 1,500 per kilogram, fetching a total of Tk 66,000.

Md. Bashir Gazi, proprietor of local seafood business Gazi Fish, said the coral fishes were sourced from the Sundarbans region. 

"Once the fishes arrived at Kuakata market, a crowd quickly gathered to catch a glimpse," he said.

Asaduzzaman Miraj, Member Secretary of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement in Kuakata, said the current season is typically known for large catches, adding, "We are seeing an increase in the supply of marine species like coral fish and hilsa." 

He also noted a decline rate of the availability of big fishes in the recent years, citing disease, ingestion of microplastics, and polythene pollution in the sea as the potential reasons of the decline.

Speaking on the matter, senior Fisheries Officer of Kalapara upazila Apu Saha said, "This is actually a result of the fishing ban. As our fishermen maintained the 58-day fishing ban, we are optimistic that even more coral fish, hilsa, and other marine species will be caught in the coming weeks."