Ahi prices spike

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HONOLULU — Fish experts are puzzled over the cause of an ahi shortage that’s making it more expensive for Hawaii residents to enjoy sashimi and poke, a popular isle appetizer of raw, marinated tuna cut in cubes.

HONOLULU — Fish experts are puzzled over the cause of an ahi shortage that’s making it more expensive for Hawaii residents to enjoy sashimi and poke, a popular isle appetizer of raw, marinated tuna cut in cubes.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say it remains to be seen what the cause is. NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Administrator Michael Tosatto says there have been higher prices at the fish auction because of a lower volume of fish caught.

The price for a pound of ahi poke at Young’s Fish Market in Honolulu is $16 compared with $10 before the shortage occurred.

Other local fish markets also say the shortage is affecting prices. — AP