Tilapia Shortage in Altamira Due to Low Champayán Lagoon Levels.

ALTAMIRA, TAMPS – A shortage of tilapia has become a problem in Altamira as the low level of the Champayán Lagoon has significantly impacted local fishing. As a result, merchants have been forced to import tilapia from nearby municipalities like San Fernando to meet consumer demand.

Despite rainfall in the metropolitan area approximately two weeks ago, which helped raise the lagoon’s water level, tilapia fishing has not recovered. This situation has posed challenges for local fishermen and fish vendors.

Elizabeth Escobar Coronado, a merchant at the Madrid fish market, explained, «We are struggling with tilapia because the lagoon has been very low, and crab prices remain high due to scarcity.» The scarcity of tilapia has led to its import from neighboring municipalities, and saltwater tilapia options are also being offered.

Fishermen from the Champayán Lagoon have had to seek alternative employment while waiting for tilapia catches to improve. Some have opted to work in chili harvesting, diversifying their sources of income due to challenging fishing conditions.

Regarding prices, the merchant at Puntillita in Altamira stated, «We are selling crab at 100 pesos per kilogram, and customers can choose their crabs. Tilapia is being brought from outside, from San Fernando, and saltwater tilapia is also available.» Despite the difficulties, sales experienced a slight increase during the Day of the Dead celebrations.

The situation in the Champayán Lagoon has led to the marketing of tilapia at lower prices than usual, with offers such as «60 pesos per kilogram or two kilograms for one hundred pesos» to attract local buyers. The community hopes that fishing conditions will improve in the future to ensure a consistent supply of this fish in the region.