The current high prices of fish products in the market will remain in place until at least November, The Sunday Morning learns.
All-Island Fishermen’s Federation National Convener Rathna Gamage said that the commencement of the ‘varakan’ season (rough seas) was the most immediate cause of the price hike.
“There are several reasons for the sudden increase in prices of fish products. At the moment, the main reason is due to the varakan season, during which the seas are rough and small fishing boats are unable to go out to sea. This has caused a drop in supply, leading to the increase in prices.”
He added that it would be at least six months before the season ended. “The varakan season usually ends around November, so soon after that we might see a slight dip in prices. However, other factors too have contributed to the price increase.”
Gamage went on to say that the cost of living of fishermen was also a reason for the reduction in fish supply to the market.
“Another problem is that the fish supply from across the country has reduced because of the hardships faced by fishermen. High costs of fuel, maintenance, and equipment have resulted in fishermen not engaging in their livelihood and causing a drop in fish supply, pushing up prices.”
He added that fishermen had also complained that there were less fish in Sri Lankan waters and that new fishing sites would need to be identified.
“Fishermen have reported that fish stocks in waters surrounding the country have decreased drastically. The quantity of fish being caught now is far less than a few years ago because there aren’t any fish left in the areas that are frequented. This means that fishermen will now have to venture further out to sea to find areas where there is an abundance of fish.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries said the fish supply was expected to increase after Poson.
“We understand that the prices are high, which is due to the lack of supply. However, we believe that the fish supply will increase once fishermen start going out to sea in higher numbers after Poson,” Ministry of Fisheries Secretary Indu Rathnayake told The Sunday Morning.