Bengaluru: The city has witnessed a steep rise in fish prices, with rates soaring by nearly 30%. This sudden surge comes as the demand for fish has increased significantly because of multiple factors, including bird flu concerns and the rising cost of mutton. However, limited supply, disruptions in distribution, and changing oceanic conditions have compounded the issue, making fish even more expensive.
Market sources confirm that the supply of fish hasn’t been able to keep pace with the demand, leading to an artificial shortage. The outbreak of bird flu caused a significant dip in chicken consumption, as many people are either unable to procure it or avoiding it over health concerns. Consequently, many have turned to fish as an alternative protein source, leading to an unprecedented increase in demand.
However, supply chains have been unable to cope with this surge. Russell Market, a key hub for seafood, has reported a decline in fish arrivals. Deliveries from key coastal regions, including Mangaluru, Chennai, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, have been disrupted. Fishermen and seafood traders indicate that the ongoing summer heat has further aggravated the situation, reducing fish availability in markets across the city.
According to Ocean Seafoods trader Lateef K, the supply of Bangude (mackerel) from Visakhapatnam and Malpe has been inconsistent. Similarly, the rates of Anjal (seer fish) have surged because of reduced catch size and limited supply from Mangaluru and Tamil Nadu.
Makharam Shariff, of NG Shariff Fisheries at Russell Market, predicts that fish prices will increase further next month. “Usually, after summer, when fish migrate and breeding season starts, fishing activities are restricted. This results in a further rise in prices,” he told TOI.
QUOTE
One of the major challenges facing the fishing industry is the rising temperature of coastal waters. Experts state that the increase in sea temperatures along Karnataka’s coastline has had a severe negative impact on fish availability. As oceanic temperatures rise, fish tend to move towards deeper and cooler waters, making them harder to catch. This disrupts traditional fishing patterns and reduces the overall yield for fishermen. Typically, fish swim closer to the surface, where they are easily caught in fishing nets. However, with the rising heat, they have started seeking deeper waters, making fishing a more challenging and resource-intensive task. The impact isn’t only felt in Bengaluru but across various coastal markets that rely on fishing as a primary source of income
— Makharam Shariff | of NG Shariff Fisheries, Russell Market
BOX
WHAT IT COSTS NOW & THEN (per kg)
Anjal (seer fish): Rs 650 → Rs 850
Bangude (mackerel): Rs 200 → Rs 250
Shila (barracuda): Rs 350 → Rs 400
White pomfret: Rs 900 → Rs 1,200
Black pomfret: Rs 600 → Rs 850
Prawn: Rs 380 → Rs 450
Crab: Rs 180 → Rs 300
Shankara (red snapper): Rs 250 → Rs 320
Tuna: Rs 200 → Rs 300
Pare (trevally): Rs 200 → Rs 250
— Source: Fish traders in Bengaluru | Previous rates from approx. 1 month ago
Bengaluru: The city has witnessed a steep rise in fish prices, with rates soaring by nearly 30%. This sudden surge comes as the demand for fish has increased significantly because of multiple factors, including bird flu concerns and the rising cost of mutton. However, limited supply, disruptions in distribution, and changing oceanic conditions have compounded the issue, making fish even more expensive.
Market sources confirm that the supply of fish hasn’t been able to keep pace with the demand, leading to an artificial shortage. The outbreak of bird flu caused a significant dip in chicken consumption, as many people are either unable to procure it or avoiding it over health concerns. Consequently, many have turned to fish as an alternative protein source, leading to an unprecedented increase in demand.
However, supply chains have been unable to cope with this surge. Russell Market, a key hub for seafood, has reported a decline in fish arrivals. Deliveries from key coastal regions, including Mangaluru, Chennai, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, have been disrupted. Fishermen and seafood traders indicate that the ongoing summer heat has further aggravated the situation, reducing fish availability in markets across the city.
According to Ocean Seafoods trader Lateef K, the supply of Bangude (mackerel) from Visakhapatnam and Malpe has been inconsistent. Similarly, the rates of Anjal (seer fish) have surged because of reduced catch size and limited supply from Mangaluru and Tamil Nadu.
Makharam Shariff, of NG Shariff Fisheries at Russell Market, predicts that fish prices will increase further next month. “Usually, after summer, when fish migrate and breeding season starts, fishing activities are restricted. This results in a further rise in prices,” he told TOI.
QUOTE
One of the major challenges facing the fishing industry is the rising temperature of coastal waters. Experts state that the increase in sea temperatures along Karnataka’s coastline has had a severe negative impact on fish availability. As oceanic temperatures rise, fish tend to move towards deeper and cooler waters, making them harder to catch. This disrupts traditional fishing patterns and reduces the overall yield for fishermen. Typically, fish swim closer to the surface, where they are easily caught in fishing nets. However, with the rising heat, they have started seeking deeper waters, making fishing a more challenging and resource-intensive task. The impact isn’t only felt in Bengaluru but across various coastal markets that rely on fishing as a primary source of income
— Makharam Shariff | of NG Shariff Fisheries, Russell Market
BOX
WHAT IT COSTS NOW & THEN (per kg)
Anjal (seer fish): Rs 650 → Rs 850
Bangude (mackerel): Rs 200 → Rs 250
Shila (barracuda): Rs 350 → Rs 400
White pomfret: Rs 900 → Rs 1,200
Black pomfret: Rs 600 → Rs 850
Prawn: Rs 380 → Rs 450
Crab: Rs 180 → Rs 300
Shankara (red snapper): Rs 250 → Rs 320
Tuna: Rs 200 → Rs 300
Pare (trevally): Rs 200 → Rs 250
— Source: Fish traders in Bengaluru | Previous rates from approx. 1 month ago