Undeterred by extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani forcing them to anchor their boats at various jetties for three to four days, traditional fishermen across the State have resumed fishing to take advantage of ban being observed by the motorised boats. The prices of various types of fish are on the rise since the annual ban, a conservation drive during the breeding season observed for 61 days from April 15. Cyclone Fani prevented them from going on a voyage. However, after the cyclone spared the coastal areas in the State, they have resumed fishing with renewed vigour. The State has around 25,000 to 26,000 non-motorised boats, including several catamarans (a wooden watercraft), of which 12,000 to 13,000 are operated from north coastal Andhra districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. Spike in price As the prices appreciated and fish lovers are also missing availability of fresh fish, we have started going into the sea immediately after the warning issued by the weathermen was withdrawn, Yeripalli Kasubabu, a traditional fishermen from Pudimadaka told The Hindu. Pudimadaka located about 50 km from here is home for about 10,000 fishermen. The price of most popular sheer fish (vanjiram) per kg has gone up from Rs.600 to800 (pre-ban price) to Rs.900 to Rs.1,000. Konam which used to be available at Rs.900 to Rs.1,000 is now available at Rs.1,600. Konam was sold at Rs.1,200 per kg last week. For fish lovers like us the rates have gone up exorbitantly except small size prawn. Pomfret rate has gone up by Rs.300 and netalu Rs.150 to Rs.200 per kg, Tarun Kanta Guin, an HPCL employee, said. Sea fish captured in North Andhra is also exported to West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and North East. A large quantity is also procured by the naval establishment. National Fisherfolk Forum general secretary Arjili Dasu said due to heavy demand for fish during the ban period, traditional fishermen would certainly make a killing as throughout the year they find it difficult to make their both ends met. Fishermen feel that the rains triggered by Fani will help in ensuring more harvest post-ban.