Bridgetown Fish Market woes

Fishermen and fish vendors in the Bridgetown Fish Market are anticipating a rough Christmas season as high operational costs, scarce fish and slow sales are affecting their business.

On Saturday, The Barbados Advocate visited the major fish market to chat with some of the vendors and workers.

Well-known fish vendor, Wendy has reported a fairly busy Saturday morning with customers buying Mahi Mahi, blue marlin, tuna, shark and amberjacks. Around 11 a.m., there were a few customers but most vendors took the slow period to prepare fish for latecomers.  Wendy also confirmed media reports that flying fish is being retailed for $35 for ten however this fish was not popular in vendors’ display cases. She is confident that sales will pick up the week before Christmas.

Popular fish is scarce

One of the employees in the Bridgetown Fish Market, Jason, said that at this time, Mahi Mahi is scarce and several Barbadians are purchasing shark and tuna. He noted that a lot of fishermen are out to sea to bring in fish for the Christmas season.

He agreed with his colleagues that business has been slow in the market but he acknowledged that challenges like the high cost of ice, fuel, and materials for boat repairs have affected their livelihood.

He highlighted that the lack of concessions has lead to the cost being passed on to the consumer.

Small catch, imported fish

While in the fish market, this publication observed the preparation of small snapper. Jason explained that in the fish market, many vendors have to rely on imported fish. He used the snapper as an example noting that it is not available locally and it is being imported to meet the demands of customers. Jason also suggested some possible (short term) solutions to the current challenges in the market.

“A reduction in diesel prices for sure, ….better concessions for boat parts. If (fishermen) can get affordable parts, we can then afford to bring back down the price (of fish),” said Jason.