Interview with Fish Car (owner)

Date: 3 June 2016

Time: 11:00-12:00
Place: Rabat
Interviewee: Mr. Dorian Portelli
Interviewers: Kevin (1st), Cristina (2nd)
Note keeper: Cristina

1. What is the catch of the day? How often does it change?

Tuna and swordfish.
2. What are the other species offered in the restaurant? Why did you
choose those species?
Pagell, gurbell, spnott, awrat, vopi, qamit, gambil, pixxispad, Mazzola, salamun,
cerna, denci fillets, klamari and mussels (maltese names).
3. Where do you buy your seafood?
From the fish market in Marxaslokk. 3.30 am.
4. Do you also sell imported fish?
Salmon
5. How much fish do you sell per week?
50-100 kilos per day divided in fish cars in Rabat and other cities. I have 20 cars in
Mosta, Attard.
Period May-September the best for selling fish.
Salmon, tuna and swordfish are the most sold. 20 kilos per day of each specie.
The cheapest fish is vopi: 5 euros per kilo. The more expensive fish is pagell: 13
euros per kilo.
6. Do you know where the fish is caught and by which method?
Fresh fish comes from Malta and Sicily.
7. Which kind of paperwork is involved in your business?
I dont know. I have been selling fish like this for 13 years from Tuesday to Friday
and I have had never problems. Until now it is permitted.
8. Who are your clients?
Locals

9. Do costumers ask about the sustainability and traceability of the

fish?
Locals like fresh fish.
10.
What is your opinion of sustainable and traceable seafood?
I care only about fresh fish, that is what clients buy.
There is no information, no campaigns. I have never talked with the local council of
government about the topic.
11.
In your opinion, what are the main reasons why people choose
their seafood?
Cheap and good taste. People dont care about the origin.
12.
What do you think are the most important issues related to the
marine environment in Malta?
Pollution. No rules from the government.
13.

Have you noticed some changes related to fish?

Now there is more tuna. 3 years ago fishermen caught less tuna. The price is the
same. Example: 10 euros per kilo. 1o years ago tuna was cheaper.
14.

Other comments

Dorian phone number: 99848606

Note: the conversation was very difficult because of language barriers. The
interviewee had a limited English. We tried to get as much information as possible.