Fish prices soar as 61-day fishing ban approaches in Tamil Nadu

Fish prices are rising quickly in many parts of Tamil Nadu as the state gets ready for the 61-day annual fishing ban. This ban, which starts on April 15 and ends on June 14, stops fishing with mechanized boats to let fish breed and grow in the sea. Every year, the government puts this rule in place to protect fish and help fishing continue in the long run.

As the ban date gets closer, fish sellers have increased prices. They want to make as much profit as they can before the supply drops. Customers are already paying much more for popular fish like seer fish, prawns, sardines, and mackerel. For example, the price of seer fish has gone up from ₹500 per kilogram to almost ₹700 in just a few days. Prawns now cost ₹100 to ₹150 more per kilogram.

Fishermen who use small boats can still catch fish near the shore during the ban. But these small boats bring in much less fish compared to the big, motorized ones. Because of this, markets will get less fish, and prices will continue to rise.

Many people who run restaurants and hotels are worried. They buy large amounts of fish every day, and higher prices are hurting their business. Some owners say they may need to raise food prices or remove fish dishes from their menus if the situation gets worse.

Fish buyers in local markets also feel the pressure. Families that eat fish often are now cutting down on how much they buy or switching to cheaper kinds.

The government has asked people to support the ban and understand why it’s important. Officials say the sea needs time to rest, and the ban helps young fish grow. If fishing continues all the time, the fish population will shrink, and everyone—fishermen and buyers—will suffer in the long run.

For now, people in Tamil Nadu are preparing to pay more for fish until the ban ends and the supply becomes normal again.