Amidst the tranquil waters of southern Patharghta and Kuakata coasts in Barguna and Patuakhali, a looming threat to the fishing industry emerges—jellyfish. Fishermen find themselves increasingly deterred from venturing into the Bay of Bengal due to the proliferation of jellyfish populations.
The jellyfish species, identified as Phyllorhiza Punctata or white jellyfish, may lack toxicity but inflict discomfort, making fishing endeavors arduous. Their inability to swim leaves them at the mercy of wind currents and tides, often resulting in vast numbers being stranded along the coastline.
With fishing nets frequently ensnaring these gelatinous creatures, fishermen face mounting losses and operational challenges. Didar Uddin Ahmed Masum, president of the Mahipur Fisheries and Fisheries Cooperative Association, highlights the dwindling enthusiasm among fishermen, foreseeing economic repercussions for the fishing sector.
Mir Mohammad Ali, chairman of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Aquaculture Department, sheds light on the untapped potential of the jellyfish market, valued at a staggering $5.60 billion globally. Despite being underutilized in Bangladesh, jellyfish hold multifaceted utility ranging from culinary delicacies to pharmaceutical applications.
As concerns escalate, Nityananda Howladar from Kuakata Bangabandhu Secondary School underscores the urgency of removing stranded jellyfish to avert environmental degradation and preserve tourist appeal.
While reports indicate a surge in jellyfish encounters, Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, president of the Barguna District Fishing Trawler Owners Association, underscores the operational impediments faced by fishermen due to the influx of jellyfish.
Authorities and experts speculate on the factors fueling this phenomenon, ranging from salinity levels to environmental shifts. Kamrul Islam, district fisheries officer of Patuakhali, emphasizes the need for comprehensive research to understand the intricate dynamics of jellyfish proliferation in Bangladeshi waters.
Amidst the discourse, Shafiqul Islam Khokon, a journalist and coastal researcher, advocates for proactive measures to safeguard coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of marine resources and biodiversity.
As the fishing communities grapple with the encroaching presence of jellyfish, concerted efforts and scientific interventions are imperative to mitigate the escalating threat and sustain the livelihoods dependent on the bounties of the sea.
