SOLVED. YA Fantasy. Mermaid eggs are a delicacy. Some people have powers over the elements. Female teenager is main character. Cover: half of girl's face with her eyes closed and a tear running down her face. Read in 2004. [s]

[Clodagh]

I read this book when I was 12 so a long time ago, but it has recently been on my mind. Basically all I can remember is they had special words for the powers they had and that they would capture mermaid like people for their eggs - think caviar.
I wish I knew more, but if you can help me that would be amazing

[Rainbowheart]

Was the main character a human girl or a mermaid?

How old was she?

[Clodagh]

She was a human, and was a teenager

[Tab]

Do you remember anything else about the plot? Any other fantasy creatures like dragons, witches, etc?
Anything about the cover?
Part of a series?
Time period/location story takes place?

[Becca]

Song Quest (Echorium Sequence) by Katherine Roberts? It definitely involves harvesting eggs from mermaid-like creatures called merlee. This might be the cover you are thinking of:

[Clodagh]

Omg yes!!! song quest!!! Thank you!