Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 25: Fishermen and consumers are having grand time in this season of fishing as sardines and mackerels are available in plenty in the sea.

For the last two years fishing was not done due to corona lock down and other seasonal restrictions. That is why the fish have bred in huge numbers and fishermen are making hay.

Dr Shivakumar Haragi, associate lecturer of sea biology department of Karwar says, “Some fishes including mackerel and sardines lay eggs twice a year. Generally this occurs from March and peaks in June to August. As they eat the micro-organisms in the sea, they grow fast. That is why this year mackerels and sardines of various sizes are available.”

“Before Covid, mackerels and sardines were less in the sea. Now they are caught in abundance. Before two years, one mackerel used to cost Rs 100. Now more than 15 are available for the same price. However, if all fishing boats catch these fishes, the market will fall and the breed also will get vanished. So all fishermen should get together and do systematic fishing,” said Dr Haragi.

Dr Haragi further said, “Fish is a very costly wealth and also gets rotten fast. If the fish catch is huge, cold storage will also be a problem. So only limited boats should be allowed to do fishing every day. By this both the fish wealth and industry can survive.”

Gopal R K, chief secretary of Karnataka state traditional boat fishermen association says, “Mackerels and sardines were available in plenty in Arabian Sea in the past. However, for the past three to four years, they were scarce. This year again they are found in abundance. They are tasty also.”