Dry Fish Production, Species Composition, and Marketing Channels at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Dry fish production is an important traditional fish preservation practice that contributes to food security, nutritional supplementation, and livelihood generation among coastal communities. The present study aimed to evaluate dry fish production, species composition, market prices, and marketing channels at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study was conducted over a period of three months, from January to March 2023, using both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through structured surveys and interviews with 50 respondents, including dry fish producers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers operating within the harbour. The findings revealed that dry fish production remains an economically important and widely practised post-harvest preservation technique due to its low processing cost and extended shelf life. Among the dry fish species recorded, Trichiurus lepturus contributed the highest proportion (19.53%), followed by Anchoviella commersonii (9.19%) and Rastrelliger kanagurta (8.25%), whereas Muraenesox spp. (marine eels) and Drepane spp. recorded the lowest proportions. Market price analysis showed considerable variation among commercially important species, with seer fish and black pomfret commanding premium market prices. Furthermore, the study identified three major marketing channels, with approximately 60% of dry fish reaching consumers directly through producer-based sales. The study highlights the importance of adopting hygienic drying practices and improving marketing systems to strengthen the dry fish trade and enhance livelihood opportunities among fishing communities.