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A NEW era begins for Grimsby Fish Market tomorrow which will transform it into one of the most modern fish auctions in Europe.
Fishing industry leaders, including a large government contingent from Iceland, will gather in the port for the official opening of the £1.2-million modernisation programme.
With Iceland the largest supplier of fish to the Grimsby Market, the ceremony will be carried out by Mr Steingrimur J. Sigfusson, the new Icelandic Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture. He will be accompanied by the Iceland Ambassador to the UK, Benedikt Jonsson, and the UK Ambassador to Iceland, Ian Whitting.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, the company which runs the fish market, said he was very much looking forward to the event, adding that it was a very important day for Grimsby and the local fish processing industry.
He added that one of the most recent and important developments has been the granting of Marine Stewardship Council accreditation for landing North Sea plaice.
The modernisation programme comprises of the compartmentalisation of the operation into four areas. One will be a fish reception and grading area, while the other three will be auction chambers.
These chambers will have suspended ceilings and cladded walls and chilling is being installed. New door pods have been erected for access from the market for buyers.
One of the main developments will be the ‘Standards and Procedures’ which have been jointly agreed by GFDE, the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, the Grimsby Fishing Vessel Owners and Agents and Atlantic Fresh the main supplier of fish. There will be a new entry area and lobby and access will only be obtained with a permit. Working is continuing with British Retail Consortium (BRC) to maintain these standards and achieve accreditation.
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