We predict that the demand for those kinds of fish will increase up to 50 percent.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has said it is ensuring that fish stocks, which are estimated to reach 2.49 million tons in the December 2021–January 2022 period, are safe.

The fish stocks will be in surplus of the demand, which is expected to reach 2.23 million tons during the same period, it added.

"Hence, we estimate that there will be a fish supply surplus of 267 thousand tons," director general of strengthening the competitiveness of marine and fishery products at the ministry, Artati Widiarti. said in a press release issued here on Tuesday.

The stocks will be quite sufficient to meet public demand amid the Christmas and New Year holidays, she added.

She estimated that the demand is predicted to increase by 10-20 percent during the holidays.

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Tuna, snapper, grouper, giant trevally, pomfret, milkfish, carp, and tilapia are people’s usual favorites during New Year's Eve celebrations, she noted.

"We predict that the demand for those kinds of fish will increase up to 50 percent," the director general said.

To maintain the stability of fish supply and prices during the holidays, the ministry has taken a number of steps, such as conducting the measurable fishing program and developing aquaculture, she informed.

In addition, the ministry has synergized with suppliers, associations, state-owned fisheries enterprises, modern retailers, restaurants, and marine and fisheries offices to secure fish supply and prices, she added.

Furthermore, the ministry has implemented a Fish Warehouse Receipt System, partnering fisheries suppliers, marketplaces, and logistics service providers to monitor the affordability of the stock and prices of fisheries products, she said.

"We strive to anticipate the surge in prices and the scarcity of the fisheries products. Thus, people do not need to worry about buying fish to celebrate the holidays," Widiarti added.

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Translator: Razi Rahman, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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