Carenage Fisherfolk Remain Anchored Amid Rough Seas And High Winds
High winds and rough seas generated by the current Hazardous Seas Alert have forced fishing vessels in the Carenage area to stay anchored.
As conditions persist, fisherfolk are unable to venture out to sea. They fear the prolonged disruption could lead to reduced catches and higher prices at the market.
TTT News visited the area and spoke with fisherfolk, who say the weather has made it increasingly difficult to bring in a good catch.
Fisherman Desmond Ryan said, « This season now is the season where the weather and the breeze does downsize the fish, makes the fish less because they don’t come up with the weather. So, for now, if you look around, partly in all the fish stalls, you will see a little bit of fish, and until that season come and pass, it does start back like probably after the Easter it does come back in bulk. »
As a result, he said fish prices have increased, with some varieties priced at $50 per pound.
« The price will be high because a small amount and gas price gone up. No fault of mines, so whatever they catch, the price will be exorbitant. Sometimes it wouldn’t be bad as this year, I find this year was real bad. »
Another fisherman told TTT News the drastic increases are most observed during the first three months of the year, improving after the Lenten season.
« The same fish right now is $50 a pound. It had a time that that same fish will be $12 a pound. As I tell you, it fluctuates. It goes up, it comes down, and it’s also a perishable item, so you cannot keep it as long as. »
As long as seas remain rough and the winds are at their highest, most fishermen said they prefer to stay away from the dangerous waters.
« Everything against a fisherman now. The bait, you can’t get the bait, the wind blowing very strong, the Sahara dust killing certain fellas like me who does suffer with sinus, the water rough. So everything against the fisherman this year. So you can’t just go and buy your gas to go out and waste time. It don’t make any sense. »
The current Hazardous Seas Alert remains in effect until Thursday.
