Fish Supply Challenges During Monsoon Season in Coastal Karnataka

During the monsoon season, fishing in sea areas of Karnataka is restricted to traditional boats only, causing a shortfall in fish supply to meet local demand. Consequently, fish from neighbouring states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are being procured and are in high demand.

At Malpe port, tonnes of fish arrive daily on 15 trucks, sourced from Odisha (silver fish, small-sized mackerels), Andhra Pradesh (sardines, small mackerels), and Tamil Nadu (sardines). Despite challenges such as high-velocity winds affecting traditional boats, fish trading continues, albeit at higher prices.

The scarcity has driven up prices significantly; for instance, small-sized mackerels fetch Rs 4,000 per 25 kg box, sardines range from Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,000 per box, and fresh silver fish sells at Rs 150 to 160 per kg.

Dinesh G Suvarna, a local fish trader, highlighted the cyclic nature: “When traditional boats catch well, demand and prices for out-of-state fish decrease.”