Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 14: A huge influx of sardines (Boothayi fish) along the shores of Hejamadi on Monday evening drew scores of fishermen and locals eager to scoop up the bounty.

Members of the Veeranjaneya Kairampani Fund fishing team arrived from Ermala and cast their nets along the Hejamadi coastline. As they hauled in their catch, swarms of small-sized sardines washed ashore, carried by the force of the waves.

The team netted nearly 20 tonnes of fish, though some escaped when the nets tore, only to be carried to shore by the sea.

News of the catch spread quickly, prompting hundreds of people from nearby areas to flock to the beach at night, collecting fish in sacks. Some traders even conducted business right on the sand. Sardines are in high demand at fishmeal units, and several tonnes were transported by vehicles for processing.

By Tuesday, the catch had become the talk of the Hejamadi and surrounding village markets, with sardines selling at around Rs 350 per kilogram.

Locals described the scene as a “once-in-a-season spectacle,” highlighting the frenzy and excitement on the beach.