Abstract

The results of an evaluation on trade and consumption of fish and fish products for export and import as well as the estimation of local fish consumption for the period 2000 - 2006 are presented. The purpose of this paper was to identify the key elements of the local trade of fisheries products and its linkages. The market of fisheries products is built up by the producers sector (fishers and fish vendors, entrepreneurs), importers and exporters. We found that for year 2000 fish consumption accounted for 51,153.31™, with a maximum increase of 54,729.64™ in 2002. National fish production averaged 32% (14,280.77™) of the total fish consumption while imports averaged (31,412.44 ™). It is estimated that 80% of the landed product is sold directly to the public and to intermediaries, who in turn, sell it as fresh fish. The remaining 20% of the national fish production is sold frozen. The largest volume of imports is recorded for year 2001 (38,681TM while the fewer amount is reported for year 2006. We provide recommendations for the conduct of a study on the socioeconomic implications of fish trade at national levels.

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