---
title: "Fish Catch Falls Along Kerala Coast and Backwaters as Prices Surge"
english_title: "Kerala Fish Catch Falls as Sardine, Mackerel Supply Declines and Prices Rise"
publisher: "Truevision English News"
canonical_url: "https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/381047/kerala-fish-catch-falls-as-sardine-mackerel-supply-declines-and-prices-rise"
published_at: "2026-09-04T08:08:00+05:30"
category: "Big Story"
language: "en"
image: "https://cf.zdn.im/img/truevisionnews.com/0/image-uploads/6a9a3053d78d2_kerala-fish-catch-falls-as-sardine-mackerel-supply-declines-and-prices-rise.jpg"
keywords: ["Kerala fish production", "Kerala fishing", "fish prices Kerala", "sardine price", "Arabian Sea fishing", "Kerala fishermen"]
---

# Fish Catch Falls Along Kerala Coast and Backwaters as Prices Surge

> **Lead Summary:** Kochi: Fish availability is declining along the Arabian Sea coast and in Kerala’s backwaters, raising concerns among fishermen, boat owners and consumers as seafood prices continue to climb. The period from July to September is traditionally considered one of the most productive seasons for fisheries in Kerala, accounting for around 40 per cent of the state’s annual fish production. This is also the period when surface-dwelling species such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies are generally available in larger quantities.

## Article Content

Kochi: Fish availability is declining along the Arabian Sea coast and in Kerala’s backwaters, raising concerns among fishermen, boat owners and consumers as seafood prices continue to climb. The period from July to September is traditionally considered one of the most productive seasons for fisheries in Kerala, accounting for around 40 per cent of the state’s annual fish production. This is also the period when surface-dwelling species such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies are generally available in larger quantities.

However, this season has seen a significant decline in the availability of these commonly consumed fish varieties. Apart from areas around Alappuzha and Kozhikode, fishermen have reported relatively poor catches in several parts of the state.

The situation has also disappointed fishermen who returned to the sea with high expectations after the annual trawling ban ended. The decline in the catch of sardines and mackerel has had a direct impact on the fisheries sector. Fishermen working in Kerala’s backwaters have also reported a noticeable reduction in fish availability.

Members of the scientific community have linked the decline in coastal fish availability to the impact of El Nino conditions. At the same time, fishermen’s organisations and boat owners have raised concerns over the large-scale harvesting of juvenile fish from Kerala waters and their alleged transportation to companies in Tamil Nadu.

According to Joseph Xavier Kalapurakkal, general secretary of the Federation of Fishing Boats, around 6,000 loads of juvenile fish were transported from Kerala last year. Jackson Pollayil, state president of the Independent Fishermen Federation, has also called for action to prevent the large-scale movement of juvenile fish to Tamil Nadu.

Fishermen’s organisations argue that many of these young fish could have grown into commercially valuable stocks and helped strengthen the fisheries sector. They claim that juvenile fish are being transported for use in the production of fish feed and fertilisers.With concerns over worsening conditions, Charles George, state president of the Matsyathozhilali Aikyavedhi, has urged the government to introduce a new relief package for fishermen.

The decline in supply has also resulted in a sharp increase in retail prices. In Kochi, sardines are reportedly selling for up to Rs 360 per kilogram even in coastal areas, while prices in other markets are higher. Consumers are also finding it difficult to get the larger-sized sardines and mackerel that were previously more common.

Mackerel is currently priced at around Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kilogram, while anchovies are selling for up to Rs 200. Shrimp prices have also increased amid lower catches. Naran shrimp is reportedly priced at around Rs 500 per kilogram, while even smaller shrimp varieties cost between Rs 150 and Rs 200 per kilogram.

Backwater fish such as pearl spot, black pearl spot and other varieties are being sold at approximately Rs 600 to Rs 800 per kilogram. Among marine fish, pomfret has reached around Rs 1,000 per kilogram, while seer fish is priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,400.

Tilapia, which was previously available at relatively affordable prices, has also recorded an increase of more than 50 per cent. The combination of declining catches, lower fish sizes and rising demand is putting additional pressure on both fishermen and consumers across Kerala.

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- [Original Story Source](https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/381047/kerala-fish-catch-falls-as-sardine-mackerel-supply-declines-and-prices-rise)