Unbelievable: ₹1-crore fish haul in Digha sends shockwaves through market

Digha (West Bengal): The sea may have calmed down after days of rough weather, but the market is still roaring — this time with the buzz over a fish haul worth nearly ₹1 crore at Digha Mohanna.

On Sunday morning, fishermen brought in about 90 pieces of “oil fish”, each weighing 30–35 kg, turning the usually bustling fishing harbour into a spectacle.

The prized catch instantly drew crowds of tourists and locals, who gathered to witness the shimmering heap of massive fish being unloaded.

Many were seen taking pictures and videos as the catch — considered a treasure in the seafood market — was weighed and auctioned.

According to fish traders at Digha Mohanna, this rare haul comes after weeks of poor fishing due to low pressure, heavy rainfall, and administrative restrictions.

With the sea turning rough before the Durga Puja season, fishermen had been forced to return from the deep waters multiple times. The resulting shortage sent fish prices soaring across coastal and Kolkata markets. 

Now, as fishermen cautiously resume operations, prices remain sky-high. Small sea fish that once sold for ₹40–50 a kg are now fetching ₹90–100. Pattal fish has jumped from ₹115 to ₹180, and Bhola fish now costs ₹280 instead of ₹180.

“Due to the rough weather, fishermen couldn’t go to sea for weeks. Supply dropped drastically, so prices almost doubled,” said Shyamsundar Das, editor of the Digha Fishermen and Fish Traders Association. “We expect the situation to normalise within a week.” 

The ₹1-crore catch, however, has momentarily lifted spirits in the harbour. The prized oil fish, also known as Telia Bhola, is not only popular among local buyers but also used in making life-saving medicines and is exported abroad, which explains its steep valuation.

While the sea is finally calm, the market remains turbulent — with fish lovers across Bengal counting the days for prices to return to normal.

For now, the Digha Mohanna is buzzing again — not just with nets and trawlers, but with tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the golden catch before it disappears from sight and onto dining tables.