Digha Fish Crisis: Fishermen in Despair as Marine Fish Vanish Before Ban Period

• Digha faces severe fish scarcity, with only occasional Hilsa from Odisha available, leaving fishermen anxious.
• Hilsa (400-500g) sells for Rs 500-600/kg, but supply is limited, while other marine fish are almost non-existent.
• Fishing trips cost around Rs 3.40 lakh, increasing annually, making it difficult for trawler owners to recover costs without fish.
• Most trawlers are docked almost two months before the April 15 ban, as going to sea without fish means significant losses.
• The crisis impacts markets across coastal areas, leading to a shortage of marine fish and forcing daily imports of 100-150 metric tons.