Tsunami, illegal fishing and export have resulted in acute short supply of seafood in markets, causing prices to shoot up
Tsunami, illegal fishing and export have resulted in acute short supply of seafood in markets, causing prices to shoot up
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Seafood lovers might soon be tossed on the stormy seas of temptation, having to compromise on their favourite varieties, or cough up whopping sums for a taste at restaurants. 
Ranjana complains that the shortage of fish can be attributed to reduced breeding of fish. Other fisherwomen also grumble that there are fewer takers for fish with prices skyrocketing
Experts say that varieties like prawn, pomfret, surmai and halwa have vanished from menus and markets, owing to an acute shortage in supply of seafood.
According to fishermen, the market is suffering because of the double whammy of the Japan tsunami and a proliferating illegal fishing racket on the seas.
Something fishy
Mahesh Tandel, president of Maharashtra Machimar Vikas Sangh in Colaba, confirmed the acute seafood shortage, saying, "This is the time when fishermen usually rake in most of their profits, before they stop fishing from May 30. This year, however, the scenario is quite the opposite.
Due to the recent tsunami in Japan, there is a comparative dearth of fish in the sea. Moreover, there are many unauthorised fishermen who are catching fish in early stages of their lives, automatically restricting breeding."
Ranjana Narsesh Mali, a fisherwoman, said, "The reason behind such a shortage is reduced breeding of fish. Fishermen who manage to get hold of elusive stock strike the best deals. We are getting no customers for these high prices. These fish are now out of the common man's reach."
Poor haul
"In the last month, only 50 per cent of the usual quantity of fish has been caught," revealed Gajendra K Bhanji, chairman of the National Association of Fishermen.
Bhanji has been receiving complaints and queries from various restaurants, which have been asking for varieties that have vanished from the market. "Since the government allowed international bodies to conduct fishing in our state, we have been experiencing shortage of seafood.
The most superior quality of fish gets exported out of the city, leaving only inferior quality fish for consumption. We have been constantly writing to the government, but no action has been taken," grumbled Bhanji.
Bhanji revealed that the pomfret variety, which was even recently available at Rs 350 a kg, is now available at Rs 650. Surmai, that was available earlier at Rs 350 a kg, is now available at Rs 550 a kg.
"Hardly any pomfret, surmai, and prawns are available. Now all that is found is local fish that is not worthy of restaurants. Bombil is available in poor quantities, and is prohibitively expensive," said Meldan D'Cunha, owner of Soul Fry restaurant, Bandra.
Voices
"Tavira's specialty earlier was a delectable Goan fish thali. I was compelled to introduce a Chinese menu primarily because of the low supply of fish in the market."
Meldan D'Cunha, owner of restaurant Tavira
"Halwa is hardly found in the market nowadays. We have almost deleted the item from our menu. We have had to hike the rates of other dishes too."
Mahendra Karkera, owner, Mahesh Lunch Home
"Customers are complaining about the sudden change in taste.u00a0
Girish Shetty, owner, Jai Hind Lunch Home
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