Bad weather impacts Maskelynes’ fresh fish supply in Port Vila

September 24, 2025 9:58 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

Port Vila is currently facing a shortage of fresh fish in its markets.

Yesterday, only four vendors were operating at Manples Fish Market, the main fish market in the capital.

The four vendors, all mothers, said it has been nearly a month since fishermen from the Maskelynes Islands in Malekula sent fresh fish to Port Vila due to bad weather.

“When Maskelynes send their fish to Port Vila, Manples Fish Market is always packed with Esky coolers full of fish,” one vendor said. “Normally, fish from Maskelynes arrives on Thursdays and is sold until Sunday. But because of the bad weather, the supply has decreased.”

The Maskelynes Islands are the main source of fresh fish for the people of Port Vila.

Vendors added that they are still receiving a few coolers of fish from North Efate fishermen, but the supply is not enough to meet the city’s demand.

The shortage of fresh fish has also seen the Sino-Van Fish Factory in Salili increase sales of frozen fish at its central points in Port Vila, including Tana Russet and Korman.