Fish prices soar as bad weather forces fishermen to remain ashore

Ras Al Khaimah: Fish prices have increased in Ras Al Khaimah as fishermen have reduced their daily trips out to sea in the past few days due to the rainy and unstable weather.

There has been a 30 to 50 per cent increase in fish prices and a shortage in fresh fish in the two key markets in Ras Al Khaimah city and Al Muaireed.

Fish dealers said they have not been getting sufficient supplies since Eid Al Adha.

The sources said they had expected a rush of consumers immediately after Eid Al Adha, but only a few people have been visiting the fish markets these days.

They said usually after Eid Al Adha many customers visited the markets and dealers had grown accustomed to this trend over the years.

The situation this year, however, is different as the fishermen have fewer customers due to the shortage of fish and the increase in prices.

Fishermen are postponing their trips because the weather is unpredictable and the sea can be extremely rough and dangerous.

Midday trips

However, some fishermen take the risk and venture out on midday trips.

They sell their catch at auctions where bids are more than 50 per cent higher than the prices prior to Eid Al Adha, sources said.

They said Ras Al Khaimah needs a tonne of fresh fish a day at this time of year, but the daily catch that reaches the markets is not even 25 per cent of the requirement.

The sources said they display frozen fish, but there are not many takers since consumers prefer fresh fish.

Saleh Hanbalou, an Emirati fisherman, said his colleagues study the weather conditions before going out to sea.

He added that they carefully watch the weather forecasts, consult each other about the weather and get advice from senior, experienced fishermen to choose the right time to go to sea.

He said the fishermen are aware of the shortage and assured that the situation will improve once the weather becomes favourable to undertake trips.

Ahmad Ali Al Mansouri, a regular Emirati customer at the RAK Fish Market, said customers have no choice. They either have to buy frozen fish or pay the high prices for fresh fish.