Abu Dhabi - The prices of local fish -- Hamour and Sheri -- have gone up by 15 to 20 per cent, and factors cited for the rise include a marked reduction in fish catch against the ever increasing demand for this pair of very nutritous fish, both of them are favourite with UAE nationals, expatriate residents and tourists alike.
One reason which prompted the fishermen to raise prices was the hike in prices of diesel which rose by 31.50 per cent. The rise in fuel prices has badly affected the business of fishing, which relies on the use of modern fishing boats to catch fish from 50-100 nautical miles in the high seas.
Traditionally, during the summer season, the prices of fish does go up by 5 to 10 per cent, depending on demand and supply and owing to reduction in catch of fish which drops by 30 to 40 per cent, said fishermen. The sizzling summer forces the fish to go down, deep into the sea, which makes the catch a difficult proposition.
According to fishermen, the hike in the oil prices has forced them to pass on the impact since they are in no position to absorb the huge finanical consequences.
With the 7.5 per cent increase in the population of the UAE plus the heavy influx of tourists attracted by the sunny weather, consumption has also risen many times over, said a fisherman.
The demand has seen a constant increase in Dubai and in the northern emirates to which Abu Dhabi has been one of the source of Hamour, Sheri and other fish.
In Abu Dhabi, there is a monthly demand of 2,200 tonnes of Hamour while 3,300 tonnes are sold in Dubai.By Haseeb Haider
© Khaleej Times 2005
