After days of lull, the fish market at the Kasimedu fishing harbour came alive on Sunday with people from all over the city making a beeline to it on the first Sunday after the 45-day fishing ban on mechanised boats was lifted.
With fish prices remaining nominal, many consumers said they were able to buy more fish for lesser price. A fish lover and homemaker, Mothi Chandrika, said since the fish was fresh, her husband had stocked whatever he could in the deep freezer. “As fish prices were reasonable, we bought more than what we consume on one day,” she said.
While consumers were happy with the rates, boat owners were not too happy. “We didn’t make a profit from the sale of fish but just managed to earn what we spent. Hopefully we will get better prices as the days progress,” said a boat owner.
Boats that went on fishing for 2 to 4 days have been returning to the harbour.
As boats that went for longer fishing expeditions are yet to return, Sunday saw a lot of small fish varieties, including sankara, black pomfret, mackerel, navara (coat fish), vanjaram and nethili being sold at the market. Sankara, which was being sold at Rs. 200 a kg, is now available at Rs. 145 to Rs.150 a kg; Red Sankara that was Rs. 150 a kg is now sold at Rs. 70 to Rs. 80, Tiger prawn remains at Rs. 1,200 a kg, smaller prawns which was sold for Rs. 800 to Rs. 850 is now available at Rs. 550 to Rs. 580. Assorted fish are being sold at lesser prices.
Fishermen said though boats have been returning since Friday, sale was dull on Friday and Saturday owing to religious beliefs. Saturday was Amavasya.
Nanjil Ravi of the Akhila Indiya Meenavar Sangam said that a lot of fish remained unsold as fish landing was high. The State government can perhaps consider buying more fish through the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation when the catch is more. Fish processing facilities should also be set up, he demanded.
