Supply at Kasimedu fish market falls by over 80%
CHENNAI: The recent rains and strong winds which prevented fishermen from venturing into the sea have taken a toll on the business, leading to a whopping fall in supply of more than 80 per cent at the Kasimedu fish market. However, traders said, this shortage has not had any impact on fish price.
From more than 200 tonnes of seafood, the supply at the market had fallen to 80-100 tonnes after lockdown because only 25 per cent fishermen were going to the sea, said Nanjil P Ravi, spokesperson of Akila Indhiya Meenavar Makkal Sangam.
“Due to the weather condition, fishermen have not been going to the sea for two weeks since November 7. Now we are getting only 10-12 tonnes of seafood,” Ravi said.
“Earlier, even when diesel price surged, we got some profit, as seafood prices also increased. But the situation is worse now. Even though supply has fallen to a meagre 10 tonnes, there is no rise in demand and the prices have only come down. The retailers are also not buying as usual because as many areas are still waterlogged,” said Murali K, a fisherman at Kasimedu.
The rain and gale have also sunk more than 50 boats, and many among the 800 fibre boats anchored at the Kasimedu fishing harbour were damaged, he said, adding that the fishermen are now struggling to find money to repair the vessels.
Their list of woes does not end there. The rates for fishing materials have also increased drastically. The fishing net that was sold for Rs 300 has now gone up to Rs 600, while the mat placed inside the boat to prevent water from getting inside went up to Rs 4,000 from Rs 1,800 and wooden logs went up from Rs 150 to Rs 300.
However, Fisheries Department officials claimed that the recent rains have not affected the business much, and added that the situation has normalised now.
“Warning was issued only for fishermen in some parts between Tiruvallur and Cuddalore. From Saturday, the fishermen are back to their routine. Fewer boats were venturing into the sea because of the steep rise in fuel price, which led to a 20-30 per cent fall in supply,” said senior official.
A fisherman said that due to the weather condition, fishermen have not been going to the sea for two weeks since November 7. Now the market is getting only 10-12 tonnes of seafood