30 December 2010
KUWAIT: Shrimp fishing will be banned starting January 15, announced the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) yesterday. Barring the practice in Kuwaiti waters was institutionalized to allow shrimp breeding and maturation as Kuwait only has limited water areas that are designated for shrimp fishing. During the ban period, shrimps are imported from Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia in low quantities, rendering them more expensive or unaffordable to many ordinary expatriate wor
kers.
In a statement, PAAAFR said that importing shrimps without permission is also prohibited and prices will be monitored at all times. The fish markets yesterday greeted the news and planned to hike prices. Salespersons claim that prices are higher when compared to the previous year. One customer even claimed that he has never felt as if local shrimps have arrived in the Kuwaiti market. The seasonal ban usually starts mid-January and ends in mid-August, "Usually there is an abundance of shrimps in the market
but this year, I haven't felt any; Now, they're banning shrimp fishing once again.
At the start of shrimping season (mid-August), the usual price at any fish markets was 750 fils (for regular size) but this time, the price tag (of same size) is KD 1.5 per kilogram. The large sized ones were usually sold at KD 2.5 per kilogram but this year they cost KD 3 per kilogram. In supermarkets, prices were higher - from five to ten percent. Frozen shrimps are available in supermarkets anywhere in Kuwait. They are expensively priced when compared to a fresh catch of shrimps from Kuwaiti waters.
KUWAIT: Shrimp fishing will be banned starting January 15, announced the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) yesterday. Barring the practice in Kuwaiti waters was institutionalized to allow shrimp breeding and maturation as Kuwait only has limited water areas that are designated for shrimp fishing. During the ban period, shrimps are imported from Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia in low quantities, rendering them more expensive or unaffordable to many ordinary expatriate wor
kers.
In a statement, PAAAFR said that importing shrimps without permission is also prohibited and prices will be monitored at all times. The fish markets yesterday greeted the news and planned to hike prices. Salespersons claim that prices are higher when compared to the previous year. One customer even claimed that he has never felt as if local shrimps have arrived in the Kuwaiti market. The seasonal ban usually starts mid-January and ends in mid-August, "Usually there is an abundance of shrimps in the market
but this year, I haven't felt any; Now, they're banning shrimp fishing once again.
At the start of shrimping season (mid-August), the usual price at any fish markets was 750 fils (for regular size) but this time, the price tag (of same size) is KD 1.5 per kilogram. The large sized ones were usually sold at KD 2.5 per kilogram but this year they cost KD 3 per kilogram. In supermarkets, prices were higher - from five to ten percent. Frozen shrimps are available in supermarkets anywhere in Kuwait. They are expensively priced when compared to a fresh catch of shrimps from Kuwaiti waters.
© Kuwait Times 2010
