Bangladesh’s long coastal region, especially the vast char areas of Barguna and Patuakhali districts, is the heart of the country’s fisheries resources. Life and livelihoods here depend largely on the sea and rivers. In this context, dry processing has survived for centuries as a traditional, labor-intensive and highly profitable economic activity. It is not only a source of income for local fish harvesters, but also an important source of income for exports to the domestic and foreign markets, further strengthening the contribution of the fisheries sector to the national economy. However, this promising industry is associated with various risks. The traditional method of dry processing is polluting local drinking water sources and soil through the release of harmful chemicals and waste during salting and sun drying. This has a direct impact on the health of dry workers, processors and the affected communities, which has called into question the sustainability of the industry.