You Decide - Imported vs Local Wild Caught Line Fish

This argument is currently doing the rounds on our local newspapers with recent articles by journalist John Yeld namely; "‘Snoek’ imports sinking local fishers” and “Imported fish costs less,say retailers.” Both these articles provide the average consumer insight into the issues facing the local fisherman and the retailers alike.

The fisherman argue that imported Yellow Tail (Seriola Lalandi) and Snoek (Thyrsites Atun) is ruining their market with far reaching consequences for all dependent thereupon, whilst the retailers will argue it affords them the consistency for their customers at the right price. Let’s be honest here. It’s a tough and complex argument as we are discussing the livelihoods of so many artisan fishers and the consumer being positively affected by the importation of frozen line fish. The locally caught fish supplied during “fish runs” will experience a price decrease with basic economic understanding of demand vs supply. The price will fluctuate drastically depending on the volumes being caught, whereas the price for imports will be more stable according to the rate of exchange, thereby affording the retailers the opportunity to plan ahead and guarantee supply. The retailers cannot rely on the seasonal catches for regular supply and so have turned to the highly competitively priced imported farmed fish. The average consumer probably would not be able to tell the difference anyway. It is therefore not a quality issue rather that of an affected livelihood.

Whilst no one will argue the point that farmed (aquaculture) fish is not as tastier, firmer ,etc than wild caught, the public has a right to know what they are purchasing and from which origin. The manner in which we prepare and cook our “catch” also closes the gap between the fresh taste and that of the farmed with countless recipes involving complex spices.

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has strict import regulations and all fish products are thoroughly tested prior to being released for our local consumption. There are more regulations adhered too with the importing of frozen fish than what is currently being implemented on the line fish boats. In fact there are none for these vessels operating within this fishing sector. For argument sake, most commercial fishing vessels will have to follow a strict set of guidelines called the HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) which is enforced by the NRCS in other fishing sectors. This body is also responsible for all testing being done and also issues our Health Certificates for fish exports with South African origin. We currently test for lead, cadmium, mercury and histamine, just to name a few. Now the skiffs/ ski boats that are currently operating are not subject to these HACCP principles than say the commercial tuna operators are. For instance these commercial line fish vessels will have no ice on board to chill their catch ensuring the absence of histamine. Their catches are offloaded into the open back of the vehicles and simply covered by a tarp. (once again no HACCP here) The truth is that whilst the public is mostly unaware of this and other similar transgressions, the imported product is in fact healthier and safer for you to consume, provided the retailers follow the HACCP guidelines and cold chain.

The regulation of the line fishing sector by the Department Of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is somewhat inadequate when compared to other sectors such as the hake long line and tuna pole. For instance the hake long liners have to off load their catches into a factory at the expense of the operators so as the government can enforce strict controls over quotas. Whilst the hake is a quota based or Total Allowable Catch (TAC) management, the line fish and the tuna pole sectors are Total Allowable Effort (TAE) whereby the government manages this stock by looking at the total effort sustained upon the sector’s natural resources. The traditional line fishermen are afforded the luxury of estimating their catches and paying their levies in advance. I wonder how close their estimates are to the volume that’s actually being landed?

But such is the business sense not to pay higher prices for inconsistent supply when you can import a farmed product regularly and at competitive prices. It’s literally a no brainer but the consumer needs to be well informed as to what it is exactly that they are purchasing to make an informed decision. The retailers mustn't misconstrue the already price conscious consumer with wild caught promises displays of frozen farmed fish on ice. A quick simple short term solution would be to ask the fish monger at your local retailer as to what is on display. They should know and be able to inform you to make the right purchase for you at the right price accordingly.

Whilst I understand the plight of the fishermen,   as a consumer “what affects my pocket is what counts” and if they looked after their fish from their hooks to the consumer then it could be arguably a far superior product worth paying a premium for. Until this is the case, I prefer to purchase from sea frozen and farmed sources unless it hasn't been caught on board my own boat.