Fish prices more than double as Kasimedu gets back to life

“After a meeting with the Fisheries department, they have permitted fishing activities. However, not more than three members are allowed in a boat. Also, the fishermen are given passes, registered through Aadhaar card. They will be checked by police on a daily basis once they are back from fishing,” said Nanjal P Ravi, spokesperson, National Union of Fisherman Association.

The Kasimedu market has been allotted specific timings to sell the seafood. It will be open from morning 6 to 9, and evening 4 to 6.

“Everyday token will be issued to fishermen on the basis of the number of boats to be allowed. So far, 150 to 160 boats are given tokens for fishing on Friday. There is no issue in sending boats for fishing, but there is too much of crowd when they return,” said G Velan, Assistant Director, Department of fisheries.

“We got delayed waiting for the pass. We were allowed to use only fibre boats. Also, the quantity of fish is less compared to other days. Usually, we used to get 120 to 150 tonnes of fishes, but today only 10 to 20 tonnes. The vendors are not allowed to sell inside the fishing harbour, as it will be crowded,” said P Prabhakaran, a fisherman at Kasimedu fish market.

The prices too were more than double the usual rate, said Prabhakaran. “Vanjiram used to be sold for Rs 500. But today it was told for Rs 1,000 to Rs 1, 500,” he said.

Residents from Royapuram, which has the highest COVID19 cases in the city, are not allowed to buy fishes at the market. Besides, there was a police force in the market to ensure that the public follows social distancing.