Kasimedu fishing harbor in North Chennai is abuzz with excitement as an unusual phenomenon unfolds – the sudden appearance of leather jacket fishes, a rare catch in these waters. In a surprising turn of events, fishermen have reeled in more than 1000 tonnes of these unique fishes over the past few weeks, marking a significant and unexpected boon for the local fishing community.
This unexpected bounty is particularly noteworthy as leather jacket fishes have been scarce in Kasimedu harbor since 2010, making this recent influx a rare occurrence. The leather jacket fishes, known for their thick skin, have become a lucrative catch for the fishermen, bringing considerable financial gains.
The Fisheries Department revealed that, on average, one trawler has been bringing in approximately 10 tonnes of these leather jacket fishes. A trawler owner shared that one of his boats alone brought in more than 5 tonnes of this unique species, highlighting the magnitude of this recent occurrence.
The economic impact is substantial, given that leather jacket fishes are in demand, especially by restaurants. The wholesale market sees these fishes being sold at Rs 230 per kilogram, while the retail market prices them at Rs 300 per kilogram. The lucrative nature of this catch has not only brought financial relief to the fishermen but has also sparked interest in the export market, further enhancing the economic prospects for the local fishing community.
The versatile nature of leather jacket fishes is also notable, as their thick skin can be repurposed for making filters and sieves, adding an additional dimension to the economic value derived from this unexpected surge in their catch. As Kasimedu harbor enjoys this rare abundance, stakeholders are keenly observing the dynamics and anticipating a positive impact on the local fishing economy.
