The annual fishing ban, which came into effect on June 1, has led to a sharp increase in fish prices across Mangaluru and Bengaluru, according to traders and fishermen. Trawl boats have halted operations due to the ban, while traditional boats have also been unable to venture out because of high tides, resulting in a significantly reduced fish catch.
Current Market Scenario in Mangaluru
Local fishermen report that cold-stored fish is predominantly being sold in the city. Ashwath of the Karavali Mula Meenugarara Sanghatane stated that traditional boats have completely stopped fishing due to the possibility of storms and are expected to resume operations either by June 25 or July 1, depending on weather conditions.
Mahesh Kumar, managing director of the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC), provided current retail prices in Mangaluru: mackerel is priced at Rs 420-430 per kg, seer at Rs 1,500-1,550 per kg, white pomfret at Rs 1,500 per kg, pink perch (madmal) at Rs 400 per kg, and silver fish at Rs 200 per kg. He noted that these prices are similar to last year's rates, with minor variations, and may increase further before declining in July when supplies from other states, such as Andhra Pradesh, enter the market.
Supply Chain Dynamics
Ashraf, a fish dealer from Bunder, explained that after the fishing ban is lifted in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, Mangaluru receives fish from those regions via truck transport. If transportation and supply increase, prices are likely to drop, but this depends on market conditions.
Impact on Bengaluru Retailers
Retailers in Bengaluru are also feeling the impact of the ban. While most source a mix of fish from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, some Mangaluru-based shops demand local fish from the city or Malpe. Jeevan Anand of Mangalore Fish Shop in New Tippasandra reported that fish supplies from Malpe and Mangaluru have decreased, leading to a price increase of around 20%. He plans to procure fish from Andhra Pradesh, where the fishing ban ends on June 14.
Anand further noted that in May, Indian mackerel was priced around Rs 350 per kg, but it has now jumped to Rs 490 per kg. Sardine prices are currently Rs 480 per kg, compared to the normal range of Rs 300-380 per kg. A retailer from Yelenahalli stated, "We will procure fish from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu; transportation charges are almost the same."
The proprietor of Mangalore Fish Basket in Kattigenahalli confirmed that rates have spiked and that vendors help procure fish from Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh to meet demand.
