Rain, rough seas and jellyfish push Kerala fish prices through the roof

Thrissur: Fish scarcity has worsened in markets across Kerala as heavy rains intensify, pushing up the prices of popular varieties such as sardines and mackerel.

Traders say the shortage of fish is driving the price rise. Although the trawl ban has been lifted, heavy rains and unpredictable weather have disrupted fishing activity. Fish is arriving from Tamil Nadu, while traditional fishermen from Munambam are also supplying the markets, but prices remain high.

At the Shakthan Stand market, kattichala is priced at ₹250 a kg, while regular sardines cost between ₹250 and ₹280. Traders are also bringing in alternatives such as anchovies and white sardines.

Fish vendors Rafi and Anto said they expect business to return to normal once the rains subside. Another vendor, Shansil, said sardines and mackerel had been largely absent from the market in recent days due to the trawl ban and adverse weather conditions. Larger varieties of fish are also difficult to find as fishermen have been unable to venture into the sea.

Fish arriving from Tamil Nadu, including vatta, small prawns and red snapper, is helping to sustain supplies in the market. Meanwhile, the rising sea temperature is also believed to be contributing to sardines and mackerel moving away from the Kerala coast.

Consumers are being forced to look for alternatives as fish prices remain high and supplies are limited.

In the Chavakkad region, fishermen were unable to venture into the sea for three days because of strong winds and rough seas. The increasing presence of jellyfish, or sea nettles, in fishing nets is adding to their difficulties. Fishermen often have to discard the jellyfish, but in the process, fish caught alongside them are also lost.

Fish caught in nets along with jellyfish also tend to spoil more quickly, traders said.

The situation is slightly better along the Azhikode coast. Boats that ventured into the sea three days ago returned with catches, while small quantities of threadfin bream and squid have also begun reaching the market.