Fishermen shortage leads to mullet scarcity in fish market
This news has been read 411 times!
KUWAIT CITY, July 4: The price of imported mullet, which is known locally as ‘meed’, has reached KD8 per kilogram; while it remains scarce locally due to the absence of fishermen. It has been reported that the market for fishermen has become scarce, so the amount of catch has become scarce as well, especially with the opening of the mullet fishing season at the beginning of this month. The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) announced that it will allow mullet fishing in Kuwaiti territorial waters from July 1 until Nov 30; except the Kuwait Bay, three miles of the coast and around the Kuwaiti islands. Meanwhile, fish stall owner Abu Bader stated: “We hear about mullet but we have not seen it in the market due to the scarcity of fishermen who are mainly at sea and many of them have traveled. This happened despite the start of the mullet fishing season four days ago. Most of the mullet available in the local market are imported from Oman and the price is KD3 per kilogram.
There is scarcity of local fish in general, even finned black sea bream and greasy grouper, as most fishermen fish for personal consumption and do not enter the market their catch. In addition, it is prohibited to fish until the middle of this month. Therefore, there is nothing other than imported fish from Iranian in particular and the price reached KD8 per kilo; while a kilo of local greasy grouper costs KD7, spotter grouper costs KD10, finned black sea bream costs KD5 and silvery croaker around KD4. Some fishermen in Sharq Market confirmed that it was empty of fish after the seizure of fishing boats at Subiya dock.
Most of the boats were unable to catch mullet in the places specified by authority, and some were unable to catch anything, so a small amount of fish was supplied.” In addition, the statement of PAAAFR in this regard excluded the eastern part within three miles of the coast of Bubiyan Island from Ras Al-Barsha in the South to Ras Al- Qaid in the North, unless this contradicts any other decisions. The statement added that fishing around Miskan, Failaka and Awha islands within the three-mile area from the coast of these islands is also prohibited; reiterating the prohibition of catching and trading in mullet outside the fishing season.
The authority also stressed the necessity of applying a number of conditions and controls when fishing for mullet in the prohibited areas, such as obtaining a seasonal permit to catch mullet from the concerned department. It also explained that the fishing hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, indicating it has the right to withdraw the fishing permit once a violation is committed. It called on everyone to adhere to the controls and laws, warning that anyone who violates this decision will be subject to penalties stipulated in Law No. 46/1980 regarding the protection of fish wealth.
By Abdul-Nasser Al-Aslami
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
This news has been read 411 times!
