Fish prices double due to monsoon ban

Mangaluru: The price of all types of fishes, including premium ones, which was moderate at the beginning of the year till May 31, has almost doubled, thanks to the 60-day fishing ban during the monsoon that started from June 1.
At the KFDC outlet here, white or silver pomfret, the most preferred among premium fishes, retailed at Rs 1,600 a kg, and seer was at Rs 1,300 a kg, when fresh stock was available. Just 12 days ago, it was less than half of that. Large prawns were a bit affordable, and were retailing at Rs 475 per kg.
But sardines and mackerel, the staples of this region, were selling at Rs 250 and Rs 330 per kg, respectively. The rates were less than half a fortnight ago.
KFDC sources said this year, the fish prices have gone up considerably, unlike last year. The major reason being even deep-sea fishing vessels, that venture out once in 10 days during fishing ban, are getting only disco fish (big-eye snapper), hamour, squid and pink perch (small size not used for cooking), instead of pomfret and seer. Last year, the pomfret prices were hovering around Rs 1,000 per kg, and this time it has already reached Rs 1,500 per kg (when available). Likewise, seer was selling at Rs 800 per kg, and now it is Rs 1,200.
Mackerel, which was available aplenty till mid-April, has all of a sudden made a disappearing act and the small quantities are sold at Rs 300-330 a kg. Even sardines, which cost Rs 120 a kg, are now selling at Rs 240 a kg.
The fish famine is such that croaker has reached record-breaking prices of Rs 480 a kilo as against Rs 350 per kg last year. Some like the marine flatfish known as the common or Dover sole has not been seen in the market since the past 12 days.
Fishermen say that traditional fishing has also not resumed due to the cyclone.
“We need another couple of cyclones for churning the seas. After that, we will get a good catch,’’ said Yatish Karkera, a fisherman.
Now frozen fish like mackerel, seer, croaker from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are making an appearance in the local market at high rates. “They are tasty and good for immediate consumption after preparation. One cannot keep the frozen variety for long,” said a restaurateur. Even this frozen fish is at least 20-30% costlier than what it was available last year, the hotelier added.
Menahwile, the DK district administration has directed the fisheries department to recall all boats from Dakshina Kannada district, trawling in Kerala waters, especially Kozhikode, immediately following Kerala government imposing monsoon fishing ban from June 9 to July 31.