Thousands of fishermen failed to capitalise on increasing global orders for fish, as strong sea winds of winter have driven over 650 boats to the moorage for the last one week Fishermen on Monday said their boats could not sail due to gusty winds in the sea that left at least 16,000 crewmen jobless, who were waiting the weather to become mild.
"We are unable to make most of the increased international orders for fish during the winter because of strong sea winds that have marred our activities," a fisherman, Abdul Ghafoor said. He said buyers from Dubai, China, Korea, Japan and other Far Eastern countries were placing greater orders for fish species like Silver Pomfret, Mackerel, Cat Fish and Queen Fish.
The surge in fish's demand globally has increased their rates significantly in local market, he added. Prices of Silver Pomfret have risen to Rs 1200 per kg from Rs 700, Mackerel from Rs 450 per kg to Rs 700-1000, Cat Fish from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 150 and Queen Fish from Rs 150 per kg to Rs 300, he added.
"Normally these days, fishermen catch Ribbon Fish and Cuttle Maya prices of which have also gone up for their improved local demand," the seafarer said. Ribbon Fish was previously available at Rs 150 per kg, which is now being sold between Rs 250 per kg to Rs 300, he said, adding the price of Cuttle Maya went up to Rs 200 per kg from Rs 100.
Abdul said during winter season fish catch reduced for species inclined to dwell on the seabed, which became difficult for fishermen to stretch their nets to the ocean floor. He said all boats were moored within the limits of Karachi seaport navigational channel, in front of the tiny islets and inside Karachi fish harbour because of hostile weather. He said catch was already lower as compared to the previous months of autumn that cost the local seafarers dearly. He said the thousands of fishermen had no other source of income except fishing.
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