Ponnani: The local fish market is witnessing a severe shortage of big sardines. Fishermen say that only rarely are boats able to bring in good catches of large sardines. Meanwhile, small sardines, whose catch is officially banned, are abundantly available in the market.

With supply falling sharply, the price of big sardines has surged to around Rs 260 per kg. According to the fisherman, the steep price is due to the scarcity and the occasional availability of the larger fish.

Meanwhile small sardines are being sold at throwaway prices. Recently, the price dropped to as low as Rs 25 per kg. Although they are caught in plenty, many are discarded at sea out of fear of being caught by authorities. Still, some traders manage to sneak them into the markets despite the restrictions.

The Fisheries Department has strictly banned the catching of sardines smaller than 10 centimeters, warning that violations could have serious ecological consequences.

Meanwhile, fish varieties such as ayakoora (seer fish) and avoli (pomfret) are available in abundance. Owing to the steady supply, their prices remain low compared to big sardines.

Retail prices for these fish range between Rs 200 and Rs 280 per kg. In Ponnani, Seer fish and pomfret were sold at Rs 200 per kg earlier this week.

Fishermen attribute the lower prices to the plentiful catches.