The trawling ban on territorial waters has started reflecting on the fish prices in the market. A week into the ban and the availability of most of the commonly seen fish varieties have come down. Squid, mullets and prawns have become scarce. Initially, sardines and mackerels were brought from Andhra coast and sold here during the ban period. Now, they are caught from areas like Chellanam and Munambam in Ernakulam by traditional fisherfolk. But their availability is limited to Kochi market,” said Majeendran V D, general secretary, Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Union. He said that last year during monsoon, sardines were readily available. But this year, there is a sharp decline. “Tuna is available in other districts like Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Trawling boats usually bring tuna to Kochi markets. As there is a ban, it’s not available,” he added.