Ahead of the fishing ban, the fishing harbour saw low sales.
What’s it about? There are a few days left before the proposed fishing ban comes into effect from April 15 to June 15. At the Kasimedu fishing harbour, fish prices increased, resulting in low sales. On average, over 1,000 tonnes of fish land at the harbour.
- Only a limited number of boats returned to shore with mostly small fish like vanjiram, sankara, and vaaval. An increase in diesel prices has kept fishermen away from deep-sea fishing.
- In Karnataka and Kerala, the state fisheries departments provide a diesel subsidy of 9,000 litres a month for 10 months. In Tamil Nadu, it’s only 1,800 litres a month.
Who said what? B Muthukumaran of the Deep Sea Fishing Boat Owners Association said not many boats have ventured out, and those who can afford to didn’t get a big catch. Some boat owners clean and service the boats during the ban, but most don’t have enough money.