Fish prices could get better in a week or ten days

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 20, 2015: Mangalurians may feel better to know that the prices of fish could improve in a week or so. protests by fishermen and fishing boat owners against direct bank transfer (DBT) of fuel subsidy, the fish prices had shot up.  The fishermen are back to work as they received subsidized diesel supply at bunks three days ago. Although the current price of the fish is nowhere close to the old price, it is likely to come down after April 25 when deep-sea fishing boats which left on April 16 return with the catch.

Mohan Bengre, joint secretary, Trawl Boat Owners Association, said that at least 1,300 trawl boats went out to sea for fishing. As these are deep-sea trawlers, they come back after a week or two. Depending on the catch, then price of fish could come down. 

 Purse Siene boats which fishing in the day, have not left the Old Port as the fishermen say it is not worth venturing as the fish catch has dwindled. Although their main catch is sardine, they also get a fair quantity of seer, mackerel, and squid. Umesh Karkera of Purse Siene boat  Association said the diesel subsidy had come in late, therefore the volume of catch  is poor. Mackerel prices which were Rs 230 per kg a few days ago are now between Rs 160 and Rs 190. The regular price is about Rs 100 or Rs 120 per kg.   Hopefully fish eaters of DK will see better times soon.