The fishing harbour at Kasimedu in the city witnessed large crowds on Sunday, after the fishing ban began on the Eastern coast. With the ban in place, mechanised boats remain on shore, leading to the quantity of fish landing coming down from 120 tonnes - 150 tonnes to 35 tonnes - 40 tonnes a day.
“Due to the heat, people don’t prefer to consume mutton or chicken, and instead prefer fish. With catamarans and smaller FRPs (fiber reinforced plastic) that fish close to the coast bringing back fresh fish everyday, buyers prefer Kasimedu to any of the other fish markets, where fish from Kerala is sold,” said community leader Nanjil Ravi.
Varieties including madava, vaalai, aila, manja paarai, were sold at Kasimedu. Due to the huge demand, fish prices have more than doubled, said traders.
Vanjaram, that was selling at ₹800 a kg before the ban, was sold at ₹1,200 a kg. Paarai that was available at ₹530/kg was sold at ₹950/kg, and nethili which was sold at ₹370/kg was sold at ₹600/kg, said a trader. Subramani, a resident of Karapakkam, said, “I usually come to Kasimedu, since the fish is fresh. I do not mind the exorbitant price,” he said.
