Fish Prices Rise Due to 60 Day Fishing Ban: Seer Fish Reaches Rs 1200 From Rs 800 Per KG

The price of all types of fish, including premium fish has almost doubled due to the 60-day fishing ban during the monsoon that started on June 1.
Just 12 days ago, it was less than half of that. KFDC sources said that this year the fish prices have gone up considerably, unlike last year.

The major reason being even deep sea fishing vessels that venture out once in 10 days during fishing ban are getting only disco fish (big eye snapper), hamour, squid and pink perch (small size not used for cooking), instead of pomfret and seer.

Last year the pomfret prices were hovering around Rs 1000 per kg and this time it has already reached Rs 1500 per kg, when available. Likewise, seer was selling at Rs 800 per kg and now it is Rs 1200. Mackerel, which was available in plenty till mid-April has all of a sudden made a disappearing act and the small quantities are sold at Rs 300 to Rs 330 a kg. Even sardines, which cost Rs 120 per kg are now selling at Rs 240 a kilogram. The fish famine is such that croaker has reached record breaking prices of Rs 480 a kilo as against Rs 350 per kg last year. Some like the marine flatfish known as the common or Dover sole has not been seen in the market since the past 12 days.