Amid ban, Chennai to host feast of fish

CHENNAI: The state's ban on fishing by mechanised trawlers ends only on May 31, but that will not stop the fisheries department from holding one of the country's largest fish festivals from Thursday.
People who love all things fish will be treated to displays of various types of fish and seafood preparations at the four-day 'Tamil Nadu Fish Festival 2013' to be held at Island Grounds in the city.
Stalls, aquariums and a food court will be the main draws at the fete, the first of its kind in the state. The festival's theme is 'Fish For Health' and top chefs will whip up seafood for visitors. There will also be cooking contests for women and catering students.
"Fish is the one of the safest sources of protein, but Indians prefer chicken and mutton," fisheries department joint director (research) G Arumugam said. "We hope the festival will help people understand that there is a vast variety of seafood and many types of freshwater fish that will suit various tastes."
However, with fish prices hitting an all-time high - seer fish was 800/kg in the market on Tuesday - mostly due to the mechanised fishing ban, this week may not be the most propitious time to promote seafood.
But the department plans to solve the problem of sourcing fish for the fest by bringing in catch from the Arabian Sea.
The expo is not just for the public, but also for ornamental fish breeders, fishermen and fish farmers, Arumugam said.
The department will invest Rs 1.2 crore on the fish fest.
Stalls will be open from 10am to 8.30pm from May 9 to May 12. The entry fee will be 20 for adults and 10 for children.
The festival's theme is 'Fish For Health' and top chefs will whip up seafood for visitors. However, with fish prices hitting an all-time high - seer fish was Rs 800/kg in the market on Tuesday - mostly due to the mechanised fishing ban, this week may not be the most propitious time to promote seafood.