Five baskets sold on first day at KD 2 per kilo

KUWAIT CITY, June 17: Chairman of Kuwait Fishermen Union Zahir Al-Suwaiyan expressed regret for the lack of Mead fish supply on Monday, as the only available five baskets were sold within a few minutes at a price from KD 1.750 to KD 2 per kilogram, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

Al-Suwaiyan attributed the limited supply of Mead fish to the decisions of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to limit fishing in areas where availability of Mead fish is scarce, and prevent fishermen from fishing in Joaan Kuwait under the pretext that it is a nursery for fish reproduction. He wondered whether it is reasonable for the nursery to remain for several months, calling for permission to fish in Joaan Kuwait and in the shared regional waters, based on the requirements of the Coast Guard, in order to provide fresh fish to consumers.

Al-Suwaiyan highlighted that the restriction imposed on local fishing gives way to the entry of imported fish at the expense of local fish, as is the case with Kuwaiti agriculture. He said he hoped the return of fishermen to Kuwait will be allowed because 70 percent of them are in their countries and awaiting return, adding that the absence of the fishermen caused more than 300 cruisers and 200 boats to stop working. Al-Suwaiyan insisted that these fishermen must return because they must be available when the field opens for Zubaidi and Shrimp fishing, adding that this is important particularly when a neighboring country has attracted Kuwaiti fishermen.