Visakhapatnam: With the annual deep-sea fishing ban in force to protect breeding marine life, prices of freshwater fish, prawns, and even some less-popular seafood have surged by 30–40% across the Vizag region.
Popular freshwater species such as Rohu (Sheelavathi), Carp (Bangarupapa), and Katla (Bocha), which usually sell at ₹140 a kilogram, are now priced between ₹180 and ₹220 depending on size. Freshwater prawn (Vannamei shrimp) has jumped from ₹300 to ₹400 per kilogram.
Varieties like Koramenu (Red Snapper) and Matta Gidasa touched record highs at ₹700 and ₹350 per kg, up from ₹500 and ₹300 just a week ago.
The Centre has imposed a uniform 61-day fishing ban (April 15–June 14) along the East Coast within the Indian EEZ to conserve marine resources and ensure maritime safety.
With sea fish unavailable, freshwater prices have spiked further. Hot and humid weather has also led to mortality among freshwater stocks, pushing prices higher still, traders warn.
Major harbours in Vizag, Kakinada, and elsewhere wear a deserted look as mechanized fishing halts. Only traditional fishermen venture out, returning with limited, less-popular catch. Restaurants and hotels report seafood dishes turning costlier amid shortages. Prices of most fish varieties have gone up. The supply of sea fish has reduced significantly. This has naturally led to a price rise.
"We used to procure 100 kg of freshwater fish on Sundays, but now manage only 70–80 kg," said V Das, a fish trader.
