Aquaculture for all

Shortage of Fish Pushes Prices to All Time High

Economics +1 more

United Arab Emirates - The price of fish has nearly tripled in the two fish markets in Ras Al Khaimah due to shortage of fish as a result of the hot summer and less number of fishermen venturing out to the sea.

Moreover, during the summer months, fish usually take refuge in the deep waters and the traditional fishing methods which are used by the local fishermen are not able to net them, reports GulfNews. Hence, most fishermen prefer to stay at home.

However, the situation in the emirate's fish markets is likely to change by the end of October.

According to GulfNews, out of more than a thousand Emirati fishermen who are officially registered with the emirate's Higher Fishing Committee, a couple of them go fishing for a couple of hours to catch their own requirement of fish and return home before it becomes too hot.

Those who go on short fishing trips usually prefer to do so either at dawn or dusk. The day's catch which is sold in the market by them is beyond the reach of the average customer. A small Sheri fish (Spangled Emperor) is sold for Dh50. It used to be sold earlier for Dh 10 to 15.

Fishermen are themselves advising customers against buying fish due to the high prices and from being cheated by some unscrupulous fish traders who sell frozen fish as fresh.

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