Egypt is the leading fish farming country in Africa and sixth globally, producing approximately 2 million tons with a self-sufficiency rate of 85%, according to Mohamed Osama Hazem El Menoufy, a member of the Foodstuffs Division. The country also ranks third in Tilapia production. However, the availability and pricing of certain fish have changed due to increased production costs. Herring is now priced between 120 and 180 pounds, a significant increase of 175 pounds compared to the previous year, due to higher costs in salt, turmeric, and packaging. Similarly, feseekh has seen its prices rise from 220 to 275 pounds last year to between 400 and 450 pounds this year, for the same reasons.