Monsoon ban: Retail fish prices head north; so do prices at eateries

MANGALURU: The price of all types of fish, including premium fish, which was moderate at the beginning of the year till May 31, has almost doubled thanks to the 60-day fishing ban during the monsoon that started from June 1.

But relief for fish eaters may come in another fortnight from the east coast as the monsoon fishing ban ends on June 15, after which fresh catch flows to all regions, including the west coast. The fishing ban for 61 days along the eastern coast starts from April 15, whereas on the western coast it starts from June 1. It has been imposed to facilitate the breeding of fish and conservation of fish stock in marine ecology. During this season, mechanised fishing boats are banned from venturing into the sea.

At the KFDC outlet in the city, white or silver pomfret, the most preferred among premium fish, retailed at Rs 1,400 a kilo and seer at Rs 1500 a kilo (big size of 3.5 kilo a fish), when fresh stock is available. Even black pomfrets when available are priced more than Rs 1,000 per kg. Just a week back, it was less than half of that. Large sea prawns were a bit affordable and were retailing at Rs 600 per kilo and cultured prawns were retailing at Rs 450 per kg. But sardines and mackerel, the staples of this region, were selling at a premium of Rs 310 and Rs 430 per kilo respectively. The rates were about 33% less than the present prices a fortnight ago.

During the ban, mechanized boats and traditional boats, fitted with inboard or outboard engines of 10hp or above, were banned from fishing during this period. Traditional fishing boats that have less than 10hp engines could still be operated in sea. During the ban period, fish catch comes from traditional boats and usually comprises sardines, crocker, silverfish, prawns and mackerels. On Friday, seer fish of 3.5 kilos was priced at Rs 1400 per kg at the landing point and retailers charge five to 10% more above the landing price of fish.

Now with the inclement weather, only a few boats venture out for fishing which widens the demand supply gap, hence the prices also.

If the retail prices are princely, can the eateries be behind? They are also charging seasonal rates. A slice of seer in popular fish joints range from Rs 350 to Rs 390; white whole pomfret at Rs 400 to Rs 470; one piece of mackerel from Rs 120 to Rs 140; sardines Rs 20 to Rs 25 (for one piece) with prawns being the cheapest at Rs 150 to Rs 250 per plate.

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