Last remaining fish market assets go to auction

The remaining assets of Plymouth's fish market have gone up for auction as fish merchants say hopes of reviving it appear to be over.

Plymouth Trawler Agents (PTA), which ran the market for 30 years, ceased trading in May last year, and no other operator has come forward.

A feasibility study in April found the reinstatement for fish auctions at the market would be "unviable" without significant investment.

Rob Goodacre, from the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association, which was working to come up with a plan for the future, said the auction marked the end of the fish market "as we know it".

More than 100 lots are up for auction, ranging from vehicles to processing equipment and thousands of branded fish boxes.

Viewing took place earlier on the fish quay at Sutton Harbour, with potential buyers circling ahead of Thursday's sale.

Luke Netherton, of Brixham Trawler Agents, said: "It's sad times but we'll try and make use of the stuff we can."

Alison Pessell, former owner of PTA, agreed it was a "sad day" for the fishing industry.

"The story for the fishing industry is pretty grim at the moment," she added.

"The latest EU news hasn't helped. We'd held out for a glimmer of hope that 2026 might bring some hope to the industry, but it's not looking very good."

Labour ministers recently agreed a 12-year deal which extends existing access for EU boats in exchange for reduced checks and restrictions on food exports.

The agreement was described as "disastrous" by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF).

But despite dwindling belief Plymouth's fish market could be revived, Mr Goodacre said there was still cause to be optimistic.

"We're optimistic that we can stay here and make this a centre for fish... where fish is still being landed, even if it's being sold a little way up the road," he said.

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