Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Feb 5: Due to adverse weather conditions, there has been an acute shortage of fish for the past four days, forcing almost all boats and country craft along the coast to remain anchored at harbours. As a result, the prices of available fish have skyrocketed, with pomfret crossing Rs 1,800 per kg and seer fish (anjal) crossing the Rs 1,000 mark.

Strong winds blowing over the Arabian Sea and the continued shortage of fish have once again dealt a severe blow to marine fishing activities. Even boats that venture into the sea are returning empty-handed due to poor catch, while traditional country boats have almost drawn curtains on this year’s fishing season.

Owing to the scarcity of fish, fishing by traditional country boats and other small vessels has nearly come to an end. Boats at several harbours including Gangolli, Maravanthe, Kodery, and Shiruru have been anchored ashore, and there is uncertainty over whether fishing will resume during the remainder of the season. Under normal circumstances, country boat fishermen continue fishing till February, March, and even April if the season is favourable. However, despite four months still remaining for this fishing season, fishermen have virtually wound up operations by the first week of February itself.

The situation is no better for trawl, gill net, and purse seine boats engaged in deep-sea fishing. Even after venturing into the sea, they are unable to secure the expected quantity of fish. If fishing is carried out for three to four days, a minimum catch worth Rs 3 lakh per boat is required just to break even. However, at present, boats are managing to earn only around Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 due to the lack of fish. As a result, many boat owners are venturing out only occasionally, while most prefer to remain anchored at the shore rather than incur losses.

Thousands of fishermen, labourers, vehicle drivers, and others depend entirely on fishing activities at ports including Mangaluru, Malpe, Gangolli, Kodery, Shiruru, Bhatkal, and Karwar. In addition, those involved in fish loading and unloading, ice plants, auctioneers, and fish carriers also rely on this sector. Overall, fishing provides livelihood to lakhs of people across the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada. However, the absence of fishing activity has resulted in losses for all those dependent on it.

At Maravanthe, the lack of fish has led to what is being described as an undeclared holiday. For the past four to five days, boats from Maravanthe have not ventured out for fishing. “Only bootaayi (sardines) are available this time. Bangude (mackerel) is not to be seen at all,” said Maravanthe fisherman Mohan Kharvi.

Fish prices have witnessed a steep rise, with pomfret priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,800 per kg, seer fish (anjal) ranging from Rs 900 to Rs 1,000, mackerel (bangude) priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300, bootaayi costing Rs 180 to Rs 200, koduvayi selling at Rs 300 to Rs 350, bolanji priced between Rs 350 and Rs 400, disco fish at around Rs 250, crabs costing Rs 300 to Rs 350, and prawns priced in the range of Rs 350 to Rs 450 per kg.