Operating difficulties and high costs squeeze fishing
LIBYA – Sami Hareeb, a fishing and fish-marketing expert at the Marine Wealth Office in Misrata, has blamed the shortage of fish and rising prices in the city on a range of operational and economic problems, including the diesel crisis, a decline in foreign labour, higher equipment costs and overfishing.
Diesel crisis and foreign workers staying away
Speaking on a news bulletin of Libya Al-Ahrar TV, which broadcasts from Turkey — followed by Al-Marsad — Hareeb said diesel was essential to run most fishing vessels and that the shortage had reduced catches.
He added that foreign workers were increasingly reluctant to come to Libya because of the weak exchange rate in their home countries, while large fishing vessels relied mainly on them and there was a shortage of Libyan expertise able to operate those vessels.
Rising costs of supplies and traditional methods
He said the cost of engines, oils, lubricants and equipment had risen, noting that a tuna fishing hook that cost between 3 and 5 dinars two years ago now costs more than 10 dinars.
He criticised the continued use of traditional fishing methods and the lack of modern, well-equipped vessels, explaining that wind speeds of 10 to 20 knots are enough to keep some fishermen from going to sea. He said the sector suffered from serious neglect and lacked the support it needed to compete with neighbouring countries.
Overfishing and breeding seasons
He warned that overfishing and the failure of most fishermen to respect fish breeding seasons along the Libyan coast were depleting fish stocks and reducing the quantities available.
Supply, demand and regional differences in consumption
Hareeb said fish prices were driven by supply and demand, and that falling catches automatically pushed prices up.
He noted that fish consumption was less common in Misrata than in the east of the country, while Tripoli’s Bab Al-Bahr market serves as Libya’s main fish exchange, with consumption volumes, purchasing power and differing food cultures across regions shaping price levels and market trends.
