Daijiworld Media Network (SR)

Abu Dhabi, Jun 20: According to local traders here, ban on the use of gargour fishing nets and scorching temperatures are the main reasons for the reduced catch and around 20 per cent price hike in the capital’s fish market.

The ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in a new measure to protect marine habitat, has decided not to allow big boats and fishermen with big dhows to go deep into Abu Dhabi waters. Though small fishing boats are permitted, the catch restrictions have an impact on the volume of fresh fish coming into Abu Dhabi markets.

As per Gulf News report, a trader at Abu Dhabi market said, “We now get fish from Dubai and the amount of fish in the market has reduced. This practice has affected the price of a number of popular varieties of fish like hamour and shrimps.”

With the increased price, Hamour is now trading at Dh 55 and Dh 60 per kilo, which used to cost Dh 45 per kilo two months ago. Prices of large shrimps increased from Dh 65 per kilo to Dh 75 a kilo.