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Seafood prices on the rise as Lenten season begins for Christians

Seafood is currently running about 30% higher compared to last year due to shortages and shipping delays.

News 12 Staff

Mar 4, 2022, 10:33 PM

Updated 1,006 days ago

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It's the first Friday of Lent, and the rising cost of seafood may have you fishing for a few extra bucks out of your wallet.
Inflation, supply chain issues and an increased demand for fish during Lent – a time when Catholics don't eat meat on Fridays - are driving up the price.
The cost of fish and seafood rose more than 1% in January, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Mamaroneck's Harbour Fish and Company owner Naldo Morales says he used to order a pound of scallops for $14 - now it costs him $25.
And these increases mean customers everywhere are paying more as well.
"Every single item is like that; gotten more expensive," says Morales.
It's also frying people's wallets at the market and when eating out.
"The customers, you know, they don't buy the same large portions as they used to buy," says Morales.
Still, the sharp rise in cost isn't keeping everyone away - some are willing to pay more to support their local fish market.
"If the prices go up a little bit that's, you know, we'll have to live with that," says Matthew Sawyer, of Mamaroneck.
Places like churches and nonprofits could suffer the most if the cost forces them to cancel charity events like fish fries.
The USDA predicts the cost of fish and seafood will continue to rise another 3.5 to 4% the rest of the year.