Adverse weather triggers fish price hike, shortage in supply

By Leenah Wahab 

The stoppage of all fishing activities due to the rainy weather conditions have caused a decrease in supply, increasing fish prices, officials said yesterday.   
Statistical Officer of the Ministry of Fisheries R. Jayakody said there will be a maximum increase of 20 percent for fish, particularly small fish varieties as small boats find it difficult to fish in rough seas. “Since last week, sardinella has increased by 20%, and Hurulla by 10%. We forecast - that prices will continue to increase, but not considerably,” he said.   
Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources S.J. Kahawatte said the adverse weather has disrupted fishing activities, and that there are only a few boats 200 nautical miles into the high seas.   
“Since the Met Department issued the weather alert, we have stopped all fishing activities until further verification,” he said. The Damitha Fish Market also reported a slight increase in prices in the last 3 days, with prices of fish such as Malaya increasing from Rs.500 to Rs.800.   
Kahawatte said that typically, around 35,000 small boats and 500 large boats are in operation, however, due to the prevailing weather, only 2500 boats are currently active in high seas. “This affects both fishermen and market supply of fish,” he said.