Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Dec 24: Sardine and mackerels, favourite fishes of coastal fish lovers are available in plenty this year. Earlier two big sized mackerels used to cost Rs 100. This year, eight to 10 fishes are available for the same price. The lockdown that was imposed due to coronavirus pandemic and the normal yearly breeding time restrictions are the cause for abundance of fish this year.

Sardines were not available for the past three to four years. This year they are available in plenty. Fishing did not take place in expected level in the last two years. In addition to coronavirus lockdown restrictions, curtailing of light fishing and bool trawl fishing also helped in increasing the number of fish in the sea.

Some fishes including mackerel and sardine lay eggs twice in a year. The breeding time is generally from March to May and June to August. As they eat the microorganisms available in the sea, they grow fast.

Before 2019, mackerel and sardines were rarely available. As they are available in plenty now, it will create issues in market as well as their breed will get diminished. So experts say that all fishermen should get united and do systematic fishing.