Fish prices are spiralling upwards due to the shortage of landings with the annual trawling ban in full swing in the State.
The 52-day trawling ban came into effect on the midnight of June 9, and local favourites such as oil sardine, anchovy, and Indian mackerel are pricier than before the ban. The market has, to some extent, been cooled by arrivals from other States.
“The price of fish varies in different places depending on size and other factors,” said C.S. Sajith, who works with a fish retailer. He added that oil sardines were in great demand this year as the fish was more fleshy and tasty during the rainy season. The price went up significantly this year with the retail price ruling around ₹260 a kg. Ahead of the trawling ban, the fish was available at ₹230 to ₹240 a kg. Lesser sardine is being sold at ₹200. Indian mackerel too costs more at ₹220 a kg.
