In Kerala, fresh fish costs are squeezing household budgets. Many families now struggle to afford this staple. Seasonal trawling ban has slashed daily catches,turning fish into luxury.
Fish vendor Dileef Rehman from Vizhinjam said traditional boats,like small catamarans and makeshift dinghies from old styrofoam,now do most of fishing. These boats leave at dusk,return by dawn,using rods and handlines instead of nets. "Artisanal fishers have less storage than big boats,making it hard to bring back much catch," he said .
South-west monsoon has made waters dangerous for fishing. Jackson Pollayil, president of Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Union,spoke on the risks. "Rough seas have made it very hazardous for both paddle and powered boats," he said. This drop in catch threatens vendors' livelihoods, many being women, and affects wider community relying on fishing .
Fish prices in Kozhikode have soared with supply down. Pollayil noted boats once bringing 20-25 boxes now return with only three or four. "Surface and deep-sea fish are much less available," he said. Scarcity has spiked prices. Sardines,usually ₹150 per kg,now hit ₹480 on lean days. Mackerel recently reached ₹700.
Rising fish prices hurt local businesses too. Swaroop Ashraf,a hotel owner in Palayam,said high costs for fish,cooking gas,and meat forced portion cuts to keep prices steady. "We must adjust servings or lose regulars," he explained.
Fishing industry faces tough challenges,leaving affordable fish in Kerala's future uncertain…many families may need to rethink meals and budgets.
