What It Got to Do with the Price of Fish? Exploring Factors affecting fish Prices in Antigua and the wider Caribbean by Brent Simon
World Fisheries day, celebrated annually on November 21, is a reminder of the crucial role fisheries play in providing food, livelihoods, and cultural identity. In Antigua and the wider Caribbean, fisheries are integral to the local economy and diet, with fishing traditions deeply rooted in our history. Yet, the price of fish – a staple for many – fluctuates due to a complex interplay of environmental, economic, and societal factors. This article explores these dynamics and highlights the dangers faced by fishers who risk their lives daily to sustain this vital industry.
The waters around Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean nations face growing pressure from overfishing and habitat destruction. Iconic species like snapper, parrotfish, and lobster are becoming harder to find, resulting in reduced catches and higher prices. Seasonal closures for species such as conch and lobster, aimed at promoting sustainable fishing, temporarily limit supply and further affecting the market.
Again, the issue of Climate Change comes to focus in relation to its impact on aquatic/agriculture productions. Climate change has altered fish migration patterns and breeding cycles, causing unpredictable fluctuations in availability. Coral reefs, critical fish habitats, are deteriorating due to bleaching, pollution, and rising sea temperatures directly impacting the Caribbeans marine ecosystem. This not only reduces supply but also forces fishers to travel further offshore increasing operational costs.
In Antigua, small scale fishers – the backbone of the local fishing industry – face ever increasing fishing expenses. Fuel and bait prices, essentials for getting to the fishing grounds and getting fish into the vessel, remain a significant burden. If for example we look at the increased price of a pound of squid, one of the major choices for bait among line fishers, we find that it moved from 14 – 18 EC dollars per pound, in a very short time. Maintenance of wooden or fiberglass vessels, common in the Caribbean, and the cost of modernizing fishing equipment add to their financial strain.
Antigua imports significant quantities of fish to meet local demand, creating competition between fresh local catches and cheaper and often inferior quality frozen imports which are priced significantly higher in the supermarkets. At the same time, high value species such as Mahi-Mahi and Tuna are often exported to international markets, prioritizing foreign currency earnings over local availability. These dynamics affect both the supply chain and the price of fish on the domestic market.
The influx of tourist during peak seasons in Antigua drives up demand for premium seafood, inflating prices. Simultaneously, local consumer behaviour is shifting towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood options, adding a new dimension to market trends.