The prices of fish, prawn and crabs have skyrocketed as country boats are unable to meet consumer demand after the annual fishing ban for mechanised boats started on April 15.

The 500-odd mechanised boats operating from Vembar, Tharuvaikulam and Thoothukudi Fishing Harbour, which bring in tonnes of marine products everyday, remain berthed following the 61-day ban. So, seafood lovers have to content with small quantity of catches made by country boats operating from Vembar in the north to Periyathaazhai in the south. Since the catches fail to meet the huge demand, the prices of sea food have skyrocketed, especially after the start of summer vacation.