Patuakhali, June 30 -- Illegal and converted artisanal trawling boats are increasingly operating in the coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal off Mahipur, Alipur, Kuakata and Ashakhali in Patuakhali's Kalapara upazila, raising concerns over the depletion of marine resources.

Using banned fine-mesh nets and modern fish detection technology the trawlers are indiscriminately harvesting fish fry, juvenile fish, egg-bearing brood fish, shrimp larvae, crabs and other marine organisms, according to local fishermen and fisheries stakeholders.

Experts said the practice is severely disrupting the natural breeding cycle of marine species, threatening long-term fish production and the country's blue economy.

Local fishermen said the number of conver...