Goa: Unseasonal rain affects fish catch, price rise clouds budget

PANAJI: With parts of Goa experiencing rain and thundershowers over the past couple of days, fish catch along the state’s coastline has been affected leading to an increase in its prices in the local market.
“Several varieties of prawns that were abundant in the market until last week has dwindled ever since the rain-like situations have prevailed,” said fish vendor, Deva Lamani.
“We are forced to source prawns from the local fish farms and hatcheries to meet the demand,” he added.
While Lamani is being resourceful for the sake of his customers, other vendors have not been as enterprising and continue to rely on the luck of the fishermen. However, owing to the shortage, the shrimp is going at Rs 350-450 per kg, as of now.
“Summers are perfect for prawn sale. However, due to poor visibility in the seas, the fishermen have been selling fewer quantities to the market. We will have to wait until the skies clear to expect a better market,” said fish vendor, Imeldinha Fernandes.
Vellio variety of fish which was priced at Rs 200 per kg until last week is now being sold at Rs 600 per kg. Chonak is currently selling at Rs 600 per kg while mackerel is going at Rs 200 for 10. Only the white crab going at Rs 150 per kg and leppo going at Rs 200 per kg appear to be within the common man's reach.
“With the fishing ban scheduled to be implemented on June 1, we barely have any productive fishing days left. The unseasonal rain is therefore hampering business for us,” another fish vendor said.