Fish eaters in India can rejoice. The fishing season has started. Prices of fishes that were soaring are expected to come down in about 10 days’ time.
Mackerel, the poor man’s fish, has started landing at Panambur, but in small quantities. Small size mackerel cost about Rs 100 to Rs 150 per 10, which is a relief as the same used to cost almost double a fortnight back. But as the fishing boats will not come back for at least a week or so from deep sea fishing, the prices in the retail sector are expected to be high for the present. In retail stores, the prices are high like in off season.
High value fish like cuttle fish, seer and pomfret will arrive in a fortnight’s time, says Suresh Kumar Ullal, deputy director, department of fisheries. “Traditional boats have started landing mackerel and small-sized prawns at Panambur beach and they are reasonably priced,” says Suresh, who bought mackerel at Rs 10 per piece. Small-sized prawns are priced at Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg.
Umesh Karkera, honorary president, Karnataka Purse-Seiner Fishermen’s Association, says that there have been landings of small quantity of cuttle fish and prawns at the Old Port. “But these are brought by vessels which developed a minor breakdown at sea. As they could not continue fishing with vessel trouble, they have returned with their minor catch,” he adds.
Umesh says major fish landings should happen after Independence Day, when deep sea vessels which left the port in the first week of August will return. “There are indications that the catch is good and the prices should come down considerably depending on the variety of catch,” Umesh says.
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