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Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Shrimp prices drop; Kuwait Bay fishing ban back in spotlight
KUWAIT: Local fish markets are seeing increased supplies of shrimp and pomfret (Zubaidi) as the seasonal fishing ban comes to an end, bringing relief to seafood lovers and easing prices. Since August 1, fishermen have landed over 75 tons of Kuwaiti shrimp, alongside around 25 tons of local pomfret since mid-July, Abdullah Al-Sarheed, Chairman of the Kuwait Fishermen's Union, told KTV news channel. He said prices have already dropped, with shrimp baskets falling from 55 to 40–45 dinars. A shrimp basket typically weighs around 23 kg and must be sold without added ice, in line with Ministry of Commerce regulations. He urged shoppers to buy directly from market auctions rather than stalls to get the freshest catch at the fairest price. 'At the auction, you pay one set price without hidden costs, and you know the fish is local and fresh,' he said. But Al-Sarheed argues that prices for mullet (maid) could fall further if the government lifts the July-to-September fishing ban inside Kuwait Bay and Kuwait's territorial waters. During this period, fishermen are allowed to catch maid in Kuwait's economic waters, 12 miles from the country's coasts. The ban remains in force even after the main November-to-June seasonal closure ends. The July-to-September ban has long been criticized by local fishermen as a main factor contributing to reduced maid supply in the Kuwaiti market. 'The designated areas aren't yielding any catch right now,' he said. 'However, there is plenty of mullet available, as we have shared videos before showing large amounts inside the bay.' In a statement published this May, Al-Sarheed renewed fishermen's demands to open Kuwait Bay for fishing. 'Mullet lives in shallow waters, and the fishing areas currently permitted by the Public Authority for Agriculture do not provide the quantities required by consumers,' he said. 'This has led to the disappearance of mullet from market stalls for several years.' The same month, the Public Environment Authority clarified that fishing bans in specific areas aim to protect and sustain fish stocks. The Authority referenced Article 100 of the Environmental Protection Law No. 42 of 2014, which prohibits fishing or disturbing wild marine life outside of designated seasons and locations. It also highlighted that Kuwait Bay serves as a crucial nursery for many marine larvae, making it vital for stock preservation. In a 2023 opinion piece published in Al-Jarida, Dr Suleiman Al-Mutar, former head of marine agriculture at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, argued that scientific studies show mullet are a fully local stock that can be managed sustainably without an outright ban. He said allowing fishing in Kuwait Bay during the summer — with catch limits and vessel quotas — would not harm the species. For now, the ban remains, and fishermen are focusing on the seasonal bounty. With shrimp and Zubaidi abundantly available, Al-Sarheed encouraged people to stock up. 'Fill your freezer now before prices rise again,' he advised.
Arab Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti seafood bounty returns as shrimp fishing season begins
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 2: The shrimp fishing season officially began on Friday, August 1 in Kuwait's economic zone, following the issuance of necessary permits. Engineer Salem Al-Hai, Director- General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), stated in a press release that the launch of the season aims to support marine fish stocks and help supply shrimp to the local market following the end of the annual fishing ban period. He urged all fishermen to strictly adhere to regulations to protect marine resources. Al-Hai added that shrimp fishing within Kuwait's territorial waters will be permitted starting September 1, using environmentally friendly 'Kofa nets' through trawling methods. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Kuwait Fishermen's Union Barrak Al- Subaie revealed that the Kuwaiti fishing fleet, consisting of 275 dinghies, launched operations to supply fresh shrimp to the local market, adding that local shrimp have made a strong return to the markets in abundant quantities. He expressed optimism among fishermen, particularly following a successful start to the zubaidi fishing season, which began in mid-July, indicating that this season has helped stabilize the market and the fish prices, with medium-sized zubaidi fish (cod) now selling for between KD 40 and KD 60 per basket. According to Al-Subaie, the catch over the past 24 hours included approximately 8 tons of shrimp and 3 tons of zubaidi. The price of a basket of 'Shahamiya' shrimp has reached KD 20, while the price of 'Umm Nughira' shrimp ranges between KD 47 and KD 60 in both the Sharq and Fahaheel fish markets. The daily fish auction in Fahaheel takes place at 8:00 am, while the Souq Sharq auction is held after the afternoon prayer. Both auctions have seen high turnout from citizens and consumers. Al-Subaie described the fishermen's joy as 'indescribable,' citing the continuous support and oversight from relevant authorities who are actively working to deal with the challenges faced by the fishermen. He stressed that the true reward for fishermen is the availability of fresh Kuwaiti seafood in the markets in large quantities and at affordable prices. Al-Subaie also highlighted that fishermen, along with all those working to ensure food security, are essential partners in the country's sustainable development efforts. He said, 'Food is a basic necessity of life. Ensuring its steady availability is a national responsibility.' Al-Subaie expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all leaders in supporting the fishing sector, most notably the Minister of Electricity and Water Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Director- General of the Coast Guard Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Yousef, Chair of PAAAFR Salem Al-Hai, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Saad Al-Alati, and officials from the Kuwait National Petroleum Company and other supporting agencies. He praised these leaders for their understanding of the legitimate demands of fishermen, noting that fishing is a time-honored profession deeply rooted in Kuwaiti heritage, and practiced by generations of forefathers. Al-Subaie added that the profession continues to attract dedicated young Kuwaitis who remain optimistic about its future, thanks to God and the continued support of the nation's leadership. Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
