Brisk sales at Kasimedu fishing harbour after six months

Chennai: Six months ago, fishermen at Kasimedu fishing harbour, the busiest fishing spot in the city, were suffering in silence, as fishing activities were dull, owing to oil spillage and unchanged weather pattern in the sea.

However, things have changed now, as fishermen at Kasimedu seem to be doubly happy, as there are brisk fish catches and sales with more number of boats being operated.

Fishermen recounted that the Kasimedu harbour earlier received only 40 to 50 tonne of fish. But now the market has been receiving 150 to 200 tonne of fish.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, K. Bharathi, president of South India Fishermen Association, said they were operating a few number of boats some months ago. However, there was no much fish catching. "After 61-day fishing ban, the fishermen heaved a sigh of relief, as fishing activities have improved a lot and around 200 boats are being operated now," he said, adding that such activity paved the way for decreasing  price of fish in the city.

Similarly, A.G.S Anbu, a member of Chintadripet Fish and Perishable Traders Association, said that the fish market was witnessing brisk sales. "However, there is a high possibility that sales might be dull, as Tamil month Purattasi starts in the next couple of days. So, price will still reduce and there will be more supply and less demand," he pointed out.

Traders sell 'Vanjaram' (seer) at Rs 600, while it was earlier sold at Rs 900. Similarly, cost of 'Vaval' (Pomfret fish) is now at Rs 400 against its previous price Rs 600. 

When contacted, a senior official of fisheries ministry said the focus was on off-shore fishing. "The department has decided to put artificial reef along the shore to attract fish," added the official.