The coastal areas of Udupi and Mangaluru are experiencing a substantial shortage of fish, attributed to adverse weather conditions and a sudden rise in temperatures. This scarcity has led to a notable increase in fish prices, affecting popular varieties such as sardines, mackerels, kingfish, and pomfret.
In Udupi, the fish scarcity has particularly impacted prices, with varieties like big-sized mackerel reaching Rs 250 per kilo, compared to Rs 150-180 the previous year. Medium-sized sardines are now priced at Rs 200 per kilo. Kingfish prices range from Rs 800 to 1000 for larger sizes and Rs 600 to 650 for smaller ones, while pomfret has exceeded Rs 1400 per kilo. Silver fish is at Rs 600, and Sting Ray is priced at Rs 400 per kilo. Prawn prices vary between Rs 650, Rs 500, and Rs 350 per kilo.
Local fishermen express optimism that fish abundance will return to the sea once weather conditions stabilize, attributing the scarcity to migratory patterns in search of cooler areas deep in the sea.
In Mangaluru, the fish shortage is affecting the coastal region, with many boats remaining anchored due to the sudden temperature increase and inclement weather, resulting in a significant decline in fish catch. Trawl boat owners cite the unavailability of fish in the sea due to rising temperatures, prompting most boats to stay ashore.
Retired dean of the fisheries university, Shivaprakash, attributes the shortage to the unfavorable monsoon, stating that if the monsoon extends until October, fish availability increases. Chethan Bengre, owner of the Trawl Boat Union of Mangaluru, notes the high costs associated with fishing trips and emphasizes the impact of the absence of the usual process where fishes come to the surface during cyclones and rain.
Siddaiah, joint director of the fisheries department, reassures that fish scarcity in the sea during November and December is a common occurrence, and abundant availability is expected in January, as is the norm every year.
Source: Daiji World
