Kochi: The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has stated that the availability of sardines would be less this year too. The scarcity of the fish variety will continue as in previous years. The experts opined that fisherfolk should be cautious while catching sardines.

The El Nino phenomenon had adversely affected the spawning of sardines. It also affected the growth rate of the juvenile fish and reduced the reproduction rate. At present, the oceanic climate is not suitable for spawning of sardines and this is the major cause of its scarcity, pointed out scientists at CMFRI.

The CMFRI authorities directed the fisherfolk to avoid catching juvenile fish and also spawning fish as much as possible. The sardine production can be restored to normal in the coming years only if the restrictions are followed strictly, they explained.

Small groups spawning fish were spotted in the southern coastal regions in Thiruvananthapuram a few days ago. However, they are caught before being able to reproduce which results in the decrease in the fish production, the scientists pointed out.