KUWAIT CITY, Sept 9: September is one of the months when the supply of local fish is abundant, considering the large quantities of fish from territorial and international waters. However, there has been a significant decline this year.  Given the scarcity of Mead fish (mullet) in the country, in a recent interview with fishermen, fish stall owners, and buyers at the fish market in Sharq.

The scarcity of Mead fish (mullet) is surprising, considering two months have passed since the fishing ban was lifted. Fishermen at the dock near the fish market were interviewed and they confirmed that the scarcity of mullets outside Kuwait Bay is the main reason behind the lack of supply in the market. They explained the Mead fish (Mullet) breeding area is near the beaches and within the bay where fishing is prohibited as per the decision of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) that declared the bay an environmentally protected area and a haven for marine life.

The fishermen were quick to add that the scarcity of Mead fish (Mullets) will not last long, as supply is expected to increase by the beginning of November. “Nonetheless, the fishing ban will be imposed again by the end of November until next year. The boats used for catching mullets face many obstacles, specifically the reduction of diesel subsidies for fishermen who cannot bear the high cost of diesel throughout the month. The small number of fishermen, as many of them have migrated, also contributed to the problem,” they explained.