When I think about Seattle, I think of the flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market. Well, Downtown San Diego is going to have their own Fish Market on the pier beside Seaport Village in the Marina District. Starting August 2 on every Saturday, fishing boats will tie up and sell their fresh fish at the market. The permit for the fish market is good only for one year but I’m sure if/when it’s a success, the permit would be extended for years out. Fishermen did once try to open a fish market in the past but Department of Agriculture didn’t allowed to them to apply for a permit because they weren’t farmers.
The fishing industry has decreased over the years and once there were around 300 commercial fishermen to now around 130. Greg Cox, San Diego County Supervisor, said San Diego used to be the Tuna capital in the world and he doesn’t see why San Diego can’t bring some of that back. At Scripps Institute of Oceanography, there was a study that shows many people are willing to drive 15-30 minutes to get fresh fish and are willing to pay a little more. Since it will be in downtown San diego, many local residences will just walk over like those at Park Place.
I’m excited to see this new fish market hopefully become as big as Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle.