Fish market

Nieuwpoort was, during certain periods, one of the most important fishing ports on the coast. The importance of fish supply in the 12th century is evident from the charter of 1163, which includes the tax rate to be levied on herring, mackerel, salmon, cod, haddock, plaice, sole, ray, and eel. Because Nieuwpoort was besieged multiple times, the port experienced many highs and lows throughout its existence and often changed its function. At one time, Nieuwpoort was the secondary port for Ypres and Bruges. Also, at the end of the 16th century, along with Dunkirk, Nieuwpoort became a famous if not notorious Spanish privateering nest, from which Dutch ships were attacked. This was reason enough for Prince Maurice of Nassau to undertake a punitive expedition against both ports. An expedition that concluded in the well-known Battle of Nieuwpoort, familiar to our northern neighbors, on July 1 and 2, 1600.
The fishing port is situated at and historically intertwined with the northwestern part of the city. Along the approximately one-kilometer long quay, the colorful fishing boats are moored. Specialists will recognize three types of vessels, each specifically fulfilling tasks in fishing, namely shrimp boats, coastal trailers, or small midwater trawlers, and midwater or large trawlers.
The urban fish auction was built in two phases. The original building from 1952 was expanded to its current size in 1972.
The fish brought to the Nieuwpoort fish auction is caught in the North Sea in the coastal and western areas. The ships fishing the coastal area are at sea for a maximum of 48 hours, while the ships in the west are at sea for about 5 days.
On the ships, the fish is kept under the best conditions and therefore receives the highest quality mark at the auction.
Except during severe weather at sea, coastal fishing is active from Monday to Saturday. Fish can be offered at the auction daily at 7 or 8 AM. The best atmosphere can be experienced on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
In the past, the term fish mine was often used, considering that the prospective buyer indicated they wanted to buy a batch of fish by calling out “mine.” Currently, there is no more selling through calling out and shouting. Now, fish is auctioned with an electronic clock powered by an IT system. The buyer is no longer even required to go to the auction but can calmly purchase from home via PC and a special phone line.
Guided tours of the fish auction are regularly organized. Some rooms in the building are used as exhibition space or banquet hall.
http://www.nieuwpoort.be/nieuwpoort/view/nl/nieuwpoort/toerisme/bezoeken/bezienswaardigheden/visserij

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