As the breeding season of prawn is likely to start by mid April, fishermen venturing into sea along the Machilipatnam coast of Bay of Bengal have been getting unexpectedly large catch of prawns, mostly Tiger prawn, for the past one week. Tiger prawns were caught in the nets of a few boats just 15-25 km. away from the Manginapudi beach in Krishna district on Tuesday.

The fisherfolk fishing on engine boats or trawlers are receiving good catch of prawn varieties, locally known as ‘Narn’ and ‘Pavulla’ prawn. “The catch of the Tiger prawn and other varieties of shrimp has been increasing day-by-day between Machilipatnam and Kakinada coast due to changes in climate. Huge catch of the prawn is expected in coming weeks before the fishing ban comes into force,” said Ch. Chinni.

He accompanied by his four colleagues went 15 km. off Manginapudi beach on Monday and returned on Tuesday with a lot of prawns largely Tiger prawn. “Middlemen offering us Rs. 400 to Rs. 500 for 20 Tiger prawns while price for other varieties is being offered around Rs. 400 per Kg,” added fisherfolk of Manginapudi that the profit of the whole catch of a trip now depended on the catch of prawn.

Though the present catch was not much to export to other parts of the State, Tiger prawn was fetching above Rs. 600 per kg in the open market in Vijayawada city and surrounding areas. The catch of prawn depends on the climatic conditions, wind direction and mercury levels.

The fisheries authorities all set to impose and implement scheduled ban on fishing on the sea from mid April in order to promise safe breeding season for many fish species including prawn.

The post-ban period is normally an idle time to experience the handsome fish catch for engine boats and trawlers those can go a long distance for fishing. However, barely few weeks are ahead to catch the highly demanding varieties of prawn in the market.

• The huge catch is because of the changes in climate, says a fisherman
• Middlemen are offering us Rs. 400 to Rs. 500 for 20 Tiger prawns, he says
• ______________________________________________
• source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Machilipatnam, March 13th, 2013