Fish prices rise in RAK for second week amid crackdown on sheri and safi

Sale of emperor (sheri) and rabbit (safi) fish during the spring breeding season is banned, leading to rise in costs of other stocks

Inspectors monitor fish markets for illegally caught emperor and rabbit fish in Dubai. In RAK, fishmongers say the ban has caused prices of other stocks to rise. Courtesy Dubai Municipality

Fish prices at markets in Ras Al Khaimah have increased for the second week due to the scarcity of supplies.

A fishmonger at the RAK market said a recent ban on the trade of emperor (sheri) and rabbit (safi) fish during the spring breeding season has led to a decrease in stocks of other fish.

“The price increase was expected after the decision was made to ban fishing of Sheri and Safi, which resulted in decrease in supplies,” Yousef Bakhet said.

“Fish prices are expected to remain high in March and April. The ban on Sheri and Safi increased the prices of other fish."

He said fish prices are subject to supply and demand.

Mr Bakhet said the price of other fish has increased by 30 per cent. He said yellowfin tuna (gabab) has risen to Dh70 per kilo, while others are costing up to Dh90 per kilo.

Last week, Hussain Lootah, Dubai municipality’s director general, said it would be increasing fish market inspections to monitor the trade of banned fish.

Sheri and Safi are amongst the “most important local fish species”, Mr Lootah said.

Fishermen are not allowed to catch emperor and rabbit fish in March and April, according a Ministry of Climate Change and Environment law issued in 2015.

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