Fish consumption decreases, prices increase

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 08. 15. 11:47

Extreme weather conditions and declining fish consumption pose serious challenges to the domestic fishing industry. A lack of oxygen in fish ponds, the release of sludge gas and the presence of fish-eating predators cause significant fish mortality, while the decline in demand further worsens the situation. Ferenc Lévai, the spokesperson of the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Interprofessional Organization, told Világgazdaság that due to the lack of water and extreme heat in the fish ponds, the rate of fish death this year is much higher than in a normal year.

The fish ponds are in critical condition

The seriousness of the situation in the fish ponds is clearly indicated by the fact that the water temperature in the upper layers has been around 30 degrees Celsius for weeks, and evaporation loses two centimeters of water per day. During the drought period, the fish ponds suffer the greatest load, as 600-800 kilograms of fish live on one hectare, compared to the 30-40 kilograms of fish found on the Danube and Lake Balaton. In addition to the lack of water, fish-eating animals such as otters and herons also cause great damage, as they gather at fish ponds due to the dried-up watercourses.

Declining fish consumption and depressed prices

In recent years, it was possible to report an increase in fish consumption, but this year, according to the signs, demand has fallen. Traders, who used to buy 300-400 kilograms of fish per week, now demand only 250 kilograms. Consumers are looking for cheaper products, which further worsens the situation of fishermen. According to Ferenc Lévai, fish and fruit consumption in Hungary is well below the European average, which is also a public health problem, since low fish consumption can contribute to the increase of circulatory diseases and overweight.