Fish catch depletes, but turnover rises

The quantity of fish catch has gone down this year, when compared to last year. This year, the entire catch in the district is 1,06,497 metric tonnes while in 2010-11, it was 1,17,803 metric tonnes. 

However, the brighter part is that the income generated from sales of fishes is considerably higher when compared to last year. The catch last year fetched Rs 471.55 crore while this year, the catch has earned Rs 540.29 crore. 

Udupi district has five ports where fishing activities are carried on. They are Malpe, Gangolli, Hejamadi, Kodibengre and Shiroor. Out of the five, Malpe is the commercial hub of fishing where huge turnover takes place. 

Out of the total business, 70 per cent of the transaction is said to be taking place in Malpe alone. 

There are 1,500 mechanised boats and 3,000 motor boats that have registered for fishing here. Since the capacity of mechanised boats are comparatively higher, they venture into deep sea fishing while motor boats have the disadvantage due to their capacity.

Reason not known

When questioned with regard to the reasons that led to depletion in fish catch, Fisheries Department Assistant Director Harish Kumar said that pointing at one factor that led to depletion in catch is not possible.

“We can never predict whether the catch will be higher or lower because the factors governing the catch keep fluctuating. However, what we can look at is the fact that this year the turnover has touched Rs 540 crore, which means that this year quality fishes were caught, which were purchased in the market at higher price,” he said adding that out of the total catch, 75 per cent was marketed in the region itself while only 25 per cent was exported to foreign countries. Prawns and King (Anjal) fishes contribute largely to good business because both of these fishes are costly.

“Rain, wind, cyclones etc have an impact on fishing. If the warning on rain, wind and cyclone are frequent, then obviously the catch will deplete because the fishermen will not venture into sea,” he said.

In 2009-11, the total catch was 99,422 metric tonnes while it earned Rs 357.23 crore. If one notices, the turnover in the district has been increasing constantly. 

With this, the fishermen are hoping to make more business next year.