In December it is usually monsoon, which sees high winds, unpredictable thunderstorms and high waves, affecting the catch. The Azam company, Alidin Aman, who has been working as a fish monger for the past five ‘years in Jerudong, told The Brunei Times, that the bad weather influences the catch rate as people cannot go into high seas due to safety reasons.
It is said that the normal rate depending on the species of fish has increased to more than $1 to $8 per kilo compared to the prices in October, this year. Saiful Rizal Hj Zaini, another fishmonger, added that the freshness of the catch also influences the prices. Syamsul Sahri, 27, a fish Monger from Pasar Gadong, said they import about 200kg crabs daily from Sabah. He said they are thinking of reducing this amount because of high wholesale costs.
According ot these fish mongers they have to sell the crustaceans at almost cost prices due to demand from the consumers. Crabs are sold alive so stocks can be kept for a longer period of time to ensure the freshness and quality in contrast to dead fish. In the meantime the Fisheries Department has introduced more new gadgetries to enhance the fisheries industry in the Sultanate.
The Fisheries Department has introduced many new measures to achieve sustainable development and self-sufficiency in the fisheries industries.
