Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Fish prices have climbed this Lenten season, but instead of an increase in sales, fisherfolk in south Trinidad say business has slowed drastically, adding to months of financial struggles. This mirrors recent local reports that high prices and scarce catches are slowing Lenten fish sales at markets such as San Fernando and Otaheite Bay. Some vendors said customers are few and sales have been poor for weeks.
Guardian Media spoke with fisherfolk and vendors in Otaheite, San Fernando and Claxton Bay, who outlined several reasons for the slowdown and for the steep price increases, which in some cases have doubled compared with past seasons.
Clement Charles, president of the Otaheite Red Brick Trace Fisherfolk Association, believes the increase in prices has discouraged buyers.
“King fish, carite and anchoa selling for $50 a pound, and it have people who will buy and some of them waiting until Lent pass because price high,” he said. Charles said salmon, lippy, moonshine and redfish are ranging between $20 and $35 a pound.
While many shoppers assume Lent itself drives fish prices higher, Charles explained biological and seasonal factors also affect supply. He said that as fish enter mating and spawning cycles, catches tend to be smaller, reducing availability and putting upward pressure on prices.
He added that the decline in the economy has left many consumers with less disposable income, making it harder for them to afford steeper prices.
Fisherman Owen “Jah Stone” Andrew said the higher prices reflect difficult fishing conditions, including varying sea and tide patterns and pollution from industrial activity, which often forces crews to travel farther out to sea.
However, he noted that the high cost of fuel limits how far fishermen can venture, and sometimes they return empty-handed for weeks, forcing them to source fish elsewhere just to supply their customers. Rising fuel costs have long been cited by fishers and vendors as a factor in higher prices and tighter supplies.
Glen Jumrattie, a vendor at the San Fernando Fish Market, said the decline in sales is also linked to overlapping religious observances, noting that while Lent is usually a busy period, clashes with other fasting seasons have dampened demand. He expressed confidence, however, that sales may improve in the coming weeks.
Fish vendor Jennifer Collymore said she once left fish mongering for other work but returned when opportunities dwindled. She said sales have been slow for months. “People who love fish they don’t mind spending the money to buy. So, they still come and get one, one,” she said.
In Claxton Bay, fisherman Terry Lall said that with geopolitical tensions easing, some fishers have been venturing farther out to sea, but the high cost of fuel remains a major challenge. “This morning at the wharf, fish sell $50 a bucket, $40 a bucket. So what you working for? And people not buying,” said Lall, a fisherman with 30 years’ experience.
Meanwhile, customers such as Adriana Ali said she expected price increases and does not mind paying higher prices because she understands the challenges fishermen face in making a living. Another customer, Adesh Ramdeo, said consumers have little choice but to buy at current prices, though he feels they could be more reasonable.
