Chennai: Fish lovers made a beeline for Kasimedu on Sunday, the first weekend after Purattasi ended, as boats brought in a rich variety of catch. Prices remained moderate. “Seer fish, among the most sought-after varieties, sold at ₹1,000 per kg in the retail market, against the usual ₹1,500,” said boat owner V Balaji.The catch came as the northeast monsoon set in. Traders cautioned that supplies could tighten in the next few days if rough weather and rain keep boats ashore. Fish trader K B Thirumal said vanjiram, vaaval, big sankara, kodukkai, kalavan (an export variety), squid and crab arrived in sizeable quantities.In contrast, at Chintadripet fish market, several varieties arrived at moderate prices, but few buyers turned up. Vendor Babu said footfall would fall further on Monday because of Ayudha Puja. “Normally, non-vegetarian food is avoided on auspicious days,” he said.Deep-sea fishing boat owners’ association secretary B Muthukumar said the vessels brought in reasonable quantities of export-quality fish. Ribbon fish fetched ₹250 per kg and leather jacket ₹100 per kg. “The amount of fish landing at Kasimedu is expected to go up over the next few days,” Muthukumar said.Fish vendor Balaraman said India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in northern Tamil Nadu with the onset of the northeast monsoon. He said fewer boats would be put to sea as a result, which would mean a reduced catch.Traders and boat owners said they would watch IMD’s forecasts closely through the week before committing to further trips.
