Shouts are out for fish traders at world’s first digital auction

A HISTORIC fish market ended its centuries-old tradition of “shout” auctions yesterday to make way for the world’s first digital system that allows customers to buy the catch online.

Merchants have traditionally bought cod, sole and cuttlefish at Brixham Fish Market in Devon by calling out bids that increase from a set price.

The system was abandoned as Brixham Trawler Agents (BTA), the market’s operator, moves to selling fish via online auctions in an attempt to widen its customer base across Europe.

From today merchants will compete for produce in online Dutch auctions, in which the starting price is lowered until an amount is accepted.

The new cloud-based system, claimed to be a “world first”, was described as an industry “game-changer”, but locals fear that the switch to digital could result in older merchants no longer using the market.

Josh Perkes, 33, owner of Brixham Seafish, a seafood wholesaler, said: “People my age will get it, but some of the buyers at the market are 60 plus and are not computer literate – they won’t be able to buy fish any more.”

Mr Perkes said that online fish auctions had failed previously, pointing to an attempt at Peterhead Fish Market which he claimed was abandoned after two weeks.

Barry Young, managing director of BTA, said: “After several hundred years of selling fish this way, it’s time for a change.”

Brixham Fish Market dates back to the 14th century and remains one of the largest of its kind in England. Around £40million worth of seafood is traded at the market every year.