Fish prices increase as temperatures soar, less fishing and declining fisheries termed reasons

The prices of local fish has been on the rise amidst soaring temperatures, say local fishermen.

Some local fish such as rabbitfish, locally known as Safi, has increased to reach BD6 per kilo, three times the previous price.

Speaking to Tribune, Mohammed Mirza, a fish vendor at the Central Fish Market in Manama, said the increase of local fish prices is normal at this time of the year. Mirza, who has been doing business at the market for over 50 years, said the increase this year was proportionally high compared to previous years.

“Less fishermen enter the sea during such high temperatures, plus, fish groups hide in deeper waters to escape the heat. The fisheries wealth have also been declining over the last few years. Bahrain’s sea isn’t the same anymore because of excessive fishing mainly by expat fishermen.

“They only care about the financial profit and ruin the environment by using harmful fishing methods and catching small fish, not allowing it to grow or reproduce. They care about the quantity more than the quality and size.”
“Safi is sold today for BD3.5 to BD4.5 per kilo. Last week it was sold for over BD6, which is a very high price, as it’s usually sold for BD1-BD1.5 a kilo. Less customers, especially among the locals, tend to buy at such high rates,” the vendor said.

However, the man said that Bahraini fish remains one of the most favourite for customers, including those from neighbouring countries.