CHENNAI: Though almost 60 percent of trawlers ventured into the sea, only 6-7 tonnes of seafood arrived at Kasimedu fishing harbour on Sunday. It led to a further decrease in the prices of fishes to the tune of 15 percent. Traders stated that there were no brisk sales due to the Tamil auspicious month Puratasi, and the rains in recent days had further impacted their business.

"The market has received fewer customers for the past three weeks. Usually, every Sunday, at least 2,000 customers will purchase fish, whereas now it has drastically decreased. Last week, due to sudden rain, fishermen did not venture into the sea, which has severely impacted business," said MP Vishnu, a wholesale trader at Kasimedu market.

"During the weekends, around 60 percent of fishermen went to catch but were able to get only 6-7 tonnes of seafood," he added. As there has been no demand for seafood for the past few days, traders are forced to sell at lower prices.

Likewise, retail shops in the city did not witness a brisk sale, and the seafood was sold for Rs 100 extra at wholesale price. "We are worried about the onset of the Northeast monsoon from this month, that fishermen will be unable to catch enough fish and situations likely to be the same even after Puratasi month end," said T Hari, a retail trader at Chindratripet fish market.

Currently, seer fish is sold for Rs 650 per kg, black pomfret Rs 550 per kg, trevally Rs 350 per kg, red snapper Rs 200-Rs 250 per kg, anchovy Rs 200 per kg, and prawns Rs 800 - Rs 1,000 per kg. It is likely to remain stable till October 17.

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