VENDORS at the Labasa market are reporting a significant drop in fish supply, with prices rising and availability tightening due to operational challenges and cultural restrictions.
Vendor Peniana Caka said fish prices had surged to about $70 a bundle from $40 earlier in the year following the breakdown of the local ice plant, which had disrupted storage for fishers.
“The lack of ice is affecting fish preservation and supply in the local market, forcing fishers to travel further to source ice and increasing the overall cost of fishing operations,” Ms Caka said.
“The fisheries ministry used to sell ice at $6.50 for a 10kg sack, which helped reduce costs for fishers and supported both small-scale fishers and market vendors.”
She said the present situation was placing pressure on families who were dependent on fishing for income, with vendors struggling to maintain a consistent supply for customers.
“The rising prices could also affect consumer demand in local markets if the situation continues.”
Another vendor Letila Kowau said the issue was being compounded by cultural restrictions, including taboos on certain fish species such as kawakawa.
“The taboo on certain fish such as kawakawa has added another layer of stress for fishers and vendors, reducing the number of fish that can be sold in some communities and affecting daily catches and income,” Ms Kowau said.
She said some fish species once commonly sold were now avoided because of traditional taboos, contributing to a drop in available stock at local markets.
“Vendors are struggling to meet customer demand as supply becomes more limited, with increased pressure on alternative fish species leading to over-reliance on fewer options.”
She said the imbalance was affecting both pricing and availability in the market.
