Leaders from key fishing communities on Monday called for urgent infrastructure improvements, equipment replacement and internal regulation to protect consumers from rising prices.

Both the Oistins and Paynes Bay fisherfolk associations called for swift government action to upgrade facilities and stabilise the seafood market, to help sustain the industry for workers and consumers.

Neil Cougar Bourne, president of the Oistins Fisherfolk Association, highlighted severe infrastructural problems at the Berinda Cox Fish Market, noting that the absence of electricity and water on the jetty is hindering daily operations and vessel maintenance.