Easter served on a seafood platter

Bad weather hits supply, so watch what you pay

FISHMONGERS and restaurants are bracing for a rush of customers today and tomorrow as Tasmanians stock up on their favourite seafood.

But bad weather in the past month has hampered some efforts to catch local fresh fish, including flathead, forcing some outlets to source seafood from Melbourne markets at higher cost.

Mures co-owner Will Mure said the company was fortunate to have its own fishing vessel, Diana.

Mr Mure said Diana was skippered by Russell Potter, who spent about 200 days a year on the water to ensure Mures had some of the best fresh fish on the market, including the much sought after blue-eye trevalla.

“Blue-eye trevalla is our number one seller,” he said.

“There is a demand on seafood because the weather has been a bit bad.

“We have our own boat so we have been able to keep things steady and supply our own needs.”

Every Easter the pressure mounts on fishmongers and restaurants to make sure they have a plentiful supply of seafood at reasonable prices.

“It’s always a struggle at Easter to make sure every- thing comes together,” Mr Mure said.

“It’s the last big event for us leading into winter.

“We usually have a big day with fresh fish on Thursday and then Friday is our big day at the restaurants.”

About 190 Mures staff will work from dawn to dusk to ensure the business runs smoothly over the Easter long weekend.

“We open 7am until the last customer leaves,” Mr Mure said.

The Fish Man owner Simon Chesterman said due to the bad weather, local boats were unable to supply the Hobart market as usual.

“Therefore the majority of our fish will come through the Melbourne markets,” he said.

“At Easter, if you have to buy through the Melbourne market they charge ridiculous prices because it is Easter.”

Mr Chesterman said some fish, such as flathead, would sell for almost $40kg and the high price could send the wrong message to customers.

“People think we are the bad guys jacking up the prices,” he said.

Despite this, Mr Chesterman said he was still optimistic about the outlook today and tomorrow. The Fish Man will trade today and tomorrow from 7am until late.