Biparjoy Cyclone restrictions: No supply of fresh fish in coastal districts

Team Udayavani, Jun 17, 2023, 11:05 AM IST

The Biparjoy cyclone restrictions in the coastal region have led to a severe shortage of fresh fish in the twin districts.

In an effort to protect fish breeding grounds and preserve marine life, authorities imposed a ban on mechanized boats from undertaking deep-sea fishing from June 1 to July 31.

Traditionally, during the fishing ban period, the responsibility of meeting the seafood demand falls on the country boats, which continue to operate within the specified limits closer to the shoreline, but an unexpected obstacle in the form of the Biparjoy cyclone has exacerbated the situation.

However, due to the cyclonic weather conditions caused by Biparjoy, the regular fishing activities of the country boats have been disrupted. Nearly 5,400 country boats in the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada have been anchored on the port itself due to the cyclone

As a result, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are grappling with an acute scarcity of fish and only frozen fish are available in the market.

The restriction has affected both local markets and the livelihoods of fishermen and fisherwomen. They are having a hard time as people do not prefer to buy and eat frozen fish as it is low in quality and taste compared to fresh fish.

The traditional fishermen are expecting the waves to calm down in the sea so that they can venture into the sea for fishing again.