The 60 days ban on fishing using mechanised boats, which began Sunday, is having its impact on the market with the sudden hike in the price of fish. However, fishermen associations say that the ban is of no use unless it is made a blanket ban to remove all kinds of polluting activity in the sea. Speaking to News Today, All Mechanised Boats Association president Jesuraj said, The ban is from 15 April to 15 June where mechanised boats are not allowed for fishing activity in the sea. This is good for the sea and the government is giving a compensation of Rs 5,000 for fishermen. However, it is not suitable to allow the country boats into the sea. He said, When we go back to sea expecting a good catch after the ban we see no difference. It is because country boats are fishing even during the period. The ban should be for them as well. This does not help in increasing production. Earlier, the ban was for 45 days, which was later changed to 60 days to allow sufficient breeding time for fishes. South Indian Fishermen Association president K Bharathi said, The ban period will be fruitful only if any kind of pollution is stopped. There are fish which breed at the mouth and shore of the sea. Pollution must be stopped here. It has to be a collective initiative, not just for mechanised boats. Post the oil spill and unfavourable weather conditions, it has been a rough time for the sea and for us, and fishing activity has dipped, he pointed out. In the recent past, fishermen hesitated to venture out, fearing loss, he said. Traders and other stakeholders have started importing fish and seafood from other States like Gujarat and Kerala to meet the demand and customers can expect a price hike of 30-40 per cent. Fishermen Association members claim that the price of fish was already very high and the ban, at this point of time, would affect their business badly. The fishing harbour, which was getting 170 tonnes of catch per day, was getting only 60 to 70 tonnes in recent days. The wholesale rate of seer fish is Rs 800 per kg, while pomfret was selling at Rs 600 and pink perch, at Rs 250, reports said. Bharathi said, We will be getting fish from other States like Mangaluru, Gujarat and Andaman Island by flight. It’s export quality fish. Chintadripet Fish and Perishable Traders Association secretary A G S Anbu said, The price hike is manageable for wholesalers, but retailers, who depend on marginal profit, are at a disadvantage. Wholesalers see overall growth, but retailers manage families with the marginal profit they make.