Let’s review Nigeria’s seafood market, where the Marlin fish take center stage. Marlin fish is also known as the ocean’s jewel.
Whenever a fisherman catches the Marlin fish whether blue, red, white, or black marlin fish, its presence is not just a catch but a celebration of oceanic abundance and blessings.
The market for marlin fish in Nigeria depends on many factors such as size, freshness, local demand, seasonal variations, and regional availability which contribute to its pricing. Knowing the recent price of the marlin fish is essential for both consumers and traders navigating the vibrant seafood market in Nigeria.
Marlin fish is a prized catch fish that can not only grace the seas but is found in Nigerian markets.
Join us on a journey to discuss in deatails the Marlin fish prices in Nigeria irrespective of where you are in the country.
Marlin Fish Price in Nigeria
Marlin fish is quite expensive than other types of fish. The price of one kilo(kg) falls between N5000 to N8000. Complete marlin fish start from N120k upwards depending on its size.
Marlin fish have 4 types which are blue marlin fish, red marlin fish, black marlin fish, and white marlin fish. Each of these types provides their unique culinary experience for consumption.
Blue Marlin Fish is so Expensive compared to other types of Marlin Fish
If you crave marlin, you might notice that buying marlin can be quite expensive.
Considering the substantial amount of meat a marlin provides, you might question the reasons behind its high cost.
Why is Marlin Expensive?
The pricing of blue marlin is often higher due to its endangered status and its desirable taste. Also, other factors like demand, availability, the complexity of catching it, a coveted status as a prized catch in fishing completion, and fishing regulations contribute to the pricing differences among marlin species.
Now, let’s go into these factors in more detail.
Low In Fat And Sodium
Marlin’s high price is due to its health benefits. Low in fat and sodium, marlin offers a healthy choice for those mindful of their diet.
With a balance of healthy fats and a scarcity of unhealthy ones, marlin stands out. It provides low sodium and enables heart health. Despite its rarity in grocery stores, the demand remains high due to its health benefits.
Overfishing
Marlin faces scarcity issues majorly because it’s overfishing. The demand for their prized meat by fish food brands drives extensive fishing efforts, depleting marlin populations.
Despite the fact fish regulations aim to protect them, overfishing persists. This reduced supply, coupled with high demand. This contributes to the expensive nature of marlin.
Sport-Fishing Competition
Marlin’s scarcity is also caused by sports fishing competitions among fishermen where those who catch marlin win a prize.
Fishermen focus on marlin fish contributing to its depletion. Fishing competitions worsen the problem by capturing marlins for competition and celebration, further reducing its population. This scarcity drives up the price of marlin fish.
Delicacy
Another reason why marlin is expensive is that it is considered a delicacy.
Marlin isn’t the same as other fish, It’s not a fish that’s common to eat.
Its price also tends to make it a rarer type of fish to eat.
Marlin bluefish is mostly reserved for special occasions or when you feel like splurging on seafood.
Marlin is expensive due to its delicacy.
Climate Change
Climate change is another factor affecting marlin populations. Some marlin species live in tropical waters, they mostly prefer colder climates. Like other wildlife, marlins thrive in specific conditions, and changes in climate or temperature can affect their hunting.
An overall decrease in the marlin population is attributed to the high cost of marlin due to climate change which leads to population reduction.
High Mercury Levels of Marlin Fish
Marlin’s scarcity is caused by its high mercury levels, a serious threat to both fish and humans. Mercury accumulates in fish and, when consumed, poses severe health risks, impacting organs and when consumed by pregnant women potentially causing birth defects.
Fishermen must discard marlins with high mercury levels, reducing their availability and increasing their prices.
Regulations
To maintain marlin fish populations, regulations limit both commercial and recreational fishing. The United States allows only 250 marlin fishes to be caught. Commercial fishermen face these restrictions which lead to a scarcity of marlin fish, driving up its prices.
Conclusion
Prices of marlin fish in Nigeria are influenced by some factors such as size, freshness, local demand, seasonal variations, and availability.
The high cost of marlin is further justified by its health benefits, and low fat and sodium content, making it a sought-after choice for health-conscious consumers.
