 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 19:03:26
|
COST OF FUEL IMPACTS ON PRICES OF FISH
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Fishermen at the creeks in Old Jeshwang are of the view that premixed fuel is one of the factors that is responsible for the high cost of fish at the market nowadays.
One Seedy Barrow, a fisherman said they usually use 60 liters of fuel for a single expedition if they do not go beyond river Gambia. He said they use 100 liters if they are going up to the Senegal River. He added that a liter costs them D30.00. Mr. Barrow noted that they understand that customers complain about the rise in fish price. He said they (fish mongers) know that there is no stable price for fish at the markets. "When we catch a lot of fish the price becomes low". He noted that the price depends on the availability of fish at sea. Mr. Barrow added that when there is premixed fuel shortage they mix oil with fuel, which they in turn add to the fish price. Mr. Barrow indicated that approximately 20 people do embark on Bonga fishing expedition, while a minimum of 6 people will go for fresh water fishing expedition. Mr. Barrow lamented that in the rainy season they have difficulties in going out to sea, noting that their boats do capsize when the heavy winds blow. He also added that ships and trawlers always give them tough time by running into their nets and cutting them into shreds. He said fishing nets are very expensive. Mr. Barrow also complained of lack of storage facilities like the one in Tanji. He asserted that they do have good catches but because of the lack of customers and storage facilities they sometimes dump their catch into the sea. Mr. Barrow said they normally sold their catch to their customers at the shore who in turn sell it to the public at the markets. He lamented that they have raised their problems with the fisheries Department, but there has still not been any positive development.
Two other fishermen, Baks and Fams, said they buy foodstuff and ingredients for cooking whilst at sea. They added that boat owners also ask for a commission noting, that also has an impact on the fish price, as they will also calculate for their profit. The duo lamented that at times, as many as 15 to 20 people will go for one trip and come with little fish. They added that they also do increase the price to gain a little profit as well as the boat owner. They noted that the amount of money they invest on a fishing trip sometimes motivates them to increase the price and that their customers in turn increase their prices to maximize profit. They added that in any business there must be profit. They complained that sometimes their customers gain more profit than those of them who risk their lives into high seas.
The duo said that sometimes it is difficult for them to organize a trip due to high winds at sea and that most of them do not know the weather conditions. They call on the weather forecast office to be helping them with information as regards the weather.
When contacted, the Director of Fisheries, Mr. Adiatou Njai, said that his department is collaborating with the fishermen at Old Jeshwang creek which eventually leads to a building of fish smoking house for them which was under the sustainable livelihood project to reduce harvest losses. Mr. Naji added that they gave a loan of D310, 000 dalasi for them to purchase a refrigerated vehicle which was done. Mr. Njai pointed out the desire of his department to build a storage cold room and ice plant facility but that they have to develop a capacity to manage the ice room. He said they need a generator to make ice flakes. Mr. Njai indicated that Jeshwang is a small landing site; that they will consider it in due course. Mr. Njai noted that they have managed to train some fishermen in marketing and management with expertts from different places.
Mr. Njai also cited the problem of fishermen complaints of fishing trawlers that destroy their nets; that when they receive complaints they summoned both parties to a meeting and put the matter on the table . He explained that in most cases they assess the situation and the level of compensation to the complainant. He also said that trawler owners or agents also complained that fishermen do not use enough buoys to alert them on the direction of their nets and where they are heading to .He added that they do have training with fishermen on the weather condition, noting that the weather is unpredictable. Mr. Njai noted that instead of fishermen throwing their catch into sea they should link with the Agricultural sectors who can transform the fish to fertilizer.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No 108/2007, 14 - 16 September 2007
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
Eve
Gambia
344 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2007 : 13:24:20
|
| Where is gambia going? |
gambian |
 |
|
|
toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2007 : 13:46:48
|
Gambia is following the rest of the world prices of things go up ALWAYS,I understand the price of crude oil is now$80 per barrel! so the fuel companies pass these rises on to the people,not good but thats how it is! This has a knock on effect,fuel higher,fish higher in price,flour higher price, bread higher price. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
|
Edited by - toubab1020 on 17 Sep 2007 13:48:50 |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
