This shortage is putting pressure on Maltese restaurants and the fishing industry
The scarcity of lampuki, Malta’s prized seasonal fish, is causing significant challenges for local restaurants and fishermen, as supply shortages and rising prices disrupt this year’s lampuki season.
Lampuki, also known as dorado, is a staple of Maltese cuisine, traditionally caught between late August and December. It plays a crucial role in local food culture and has long supported both fishermen and restaurant owners. However, this year’s season has been marked by reduced catches and sharp price increases, leaving many to question the reasons behind the shortage.
Unfavourable weather conditions have been pointed to as one of the main factors behind the poor lampuki season. As reported by BusinessNow.mt, fishing efforts have been hampered by difficult weather, resulting in significantly lower yields. In turn, this has caused prices to rise, per kilo for lampuki.
There’s also the impact of international overfishing. Foreign fishing fleets, particularly from Egypt and Sicily, are believed to be contributing to the reduced lampuki catch in Maltese waters. Reports suggest that while Maltese fishermen struggle to secure enough fish, lampuki are being sold for as little as €3 to €4 per kilo in Sicily. This price disparity has raised concerns about overfishing and the impact it may be having on local stocks.
The reasons behind the shortage remain unclear, with some experts suggesting that environmental factors, such as rising sea temperatures, could be affecting the migration patterns of lampuki. Others have called for more comprehensive studies to determine whether overfishing or climate change is to blame for the declining catches.
The lampuki shortage is more than just a financial burden; it threatens a key element of Maltese culinary tradition. For decades, lampuki has been a symbol of local cuisine, appearing in a variety of traditional dishes that are cherished by both locals and visitors. With prices rising and availability dwindling, there are growing fears that this iconic fish may become a rare luxury, rather than a readily available staple.
Have you eaten any lampuki yet this season?