We are seeing a trend of high demand, and low supply for farm-raised fish in Taiwan. The price hike on feeds have been affecting the overall number of fish raised, and because of the recent radiation crisis in Japan, people are avoiding the wild-caught fish. The dilemma is sending the cost to around 30 to 40 percent higher than the same period last year.

Yunlin county is a major production area for Taiwan Tilapia and milkfish.

But fishermen have suffered from financial losses over the years due to the increased prices of fish feed.

This factor lowers the number of fish raised in fish farm and influences the current prices of fish.

For several years, the prices of Taiwan tilapia was 30% lower than the current prices at around 23 NTD per catty, which was below the costs.

But the recent earthquake in Japan resulted in a radiation leakage crisis, prompting local fish prices to escalate.

According to fishermen, the rising prices matter to the public's expectation of a growing demand.

The continuous fuel pricing hike dampens fishermen's willingness to capture fish out on the sea, causing the number of fish caught in the sea to drop.

Naturally, the prices of fish raised in fish farms are going up.