Last update - 00:00 07/02/2008
Shortages expected through 2009 after fish farms freeze
By Amiram Cohen
The cold spell that hit Israel two weeks ago destroyed 25,000 St. Peters fish fingerlings, or about 50% of the annual harvest of the fish.
Breeders warn that the shortage of freshwater fish in recent weeks, mainly of St. Peters fish, would continue until mid 2009. In addition to the fingerlings, 4,000 tons of full grown St. Peters fish were destroyed by the cold, leading to a 45% to 50% spike in consumer prices.
Small fish sold prior to the cold snap for about NIS 12 per kilo have been going for NIS 18 per kilo and a kilo of larger size fish that had been sold in stores for NIS 15.50 is now costing consumers NIS 22.50. Fish cultivators in the Beit She'an Valley, who produce 80% of all St. Peters fish in Israel, have been it hardest.
Damages in the Beit She'an Valley along are estimated at NIS 60 million, while the overall fish market suffered an estimated NIS 100 million from the recent cold spell. A team on behalf of the Emek Ma'ayanit-Beit She'an Regional Council and fish cultivators will be applying for government financial assistance for the villages that have suffered damage.