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ARCHIVED - Promising start to the Mar Menor prawn fishing season
High prices for the highly prized Mar Menor prawns
The relaxation of pandemic restrictions this spring has come as good news for everyone in the Region of Murcia, but the fishermen of San Pedro del Pinatar have an extra reason to celebrate as it means that this year there is likely to be more custom for their catches of red prawns in the Mar Menor.
The spring prawn fishing season in the lagoon is now under way and lasts until mid-July, and with wedding and communion celebrations being held all over the Region it is anticipated that the catches of one of the most prized delicacies in the highly saline lagoon could well reach the average annual value of around 300,000 euros.
The season began with a good catch of 325 kilos during the first week, four times more than at the start of the 2020 season, and prices averaged out at around 35 euros per kilo with a peak of 69 euros being reached. The unique taste of Mar Menor prawns leads to them being highly valued by both customers and restaurant chefs, and the inflated prices reflect their popularity at important celebrations during the spring.
There had been fears this year that the spread of the Atlantic blue crab might have a negative effect on prawn catches, and the crabs have been responsible for the breakage of numerous fishing nets, but so far it seems that the prawns are withstanding the invasive species well. In addition, the phases of the moon have favoured the start of the season, as the prawns prefer dark nights and tranquil water.
In a typical year prawns account for 15 per cent of the revenue of Mar Menor fishermen, and 32 per cent of sales during the season, and this year 20 of the 28 licensed boats have already cast their nets while the remainder prefer to wait until the second half of May.