Much of the fish served at the table in the restaurants passes through the supply market of the region of Lisbon, Marl. But the sector is increasingly difficult. There are fewer customers, more expense and hard work that starts at night.
Paulo found in the supply market of the Lisbon region an alternative to the distances he did to find good fish and then resell.
“It used to make other plots. Sesimbra, Peniche, Setúbal … Now it’s harder to make so many kilometers and come here. I have been a salesman for 53 years, ”he tells SIC.
On the other side of the newsstand is José, who has been working at Marl for 25 years. Although it is getting harder and harder, he continues to like the life he has chosen.
“For those who like it is not difficult, but it is very laborious. I do at least 14 hours every day. ”
However, The sector is increasingly experiencing difficulties.
“You’re selling much less, it’s nothing like it was 25 years ago,” says José.
Traders attribute large surfaces blaming, less and less variety available and increased cost of living.
“Fish did not make such an increase so large, what diminished was the purchasing power of people. The younger people also no longer want to come to municipal markets, ”says Carlos Louro, seller.
Some of the fish sold at Marl is from Aquaculture, just as it comes from international waters, especially from Morocco or Spain. There are fewer and fewer fish of Portuguese waters.
