Fish markets range in size from small fish stalls to large ones such as the greatTsukiji fish market in Tokyo, which turns over about 660,000 tonnes a year.[1]
The termfish market can also refer to the process offish marketing in general, but this article is concerned with physical marketplaces.
Fish markets were known in antiquity.[2] They served as apublic space where large numbers of people could gather and discuss current events and localpolitics.
Because seafood is quick tospoil, fish markets are historically most often found in seaside towns. Onceice or other simple cooling methods became available, some were also established in large inland cities that had goodtrade routes to the coast.
Customers in front of the in the market hall ofKotka,Finland, in 1950s.
Sincerefrigeration and rapidtransport became available in the 19th and 20th century, fish markets can technically be established at any place. However, because modern tradelogistics in general has shifted away from marketplaces and towardsretail outlets, such assupermarkets, most seafood worldwide is now sold to consumers through these venues, like most otherfoodstuffs.
Consequently, most major fish markets now mainly deal with wholesale trade, and the existing major fish retail markets continue to operate as much for traditional reasons as for commercial ones. Both types of fish markets are oftentourist attractions as well.
Frozentuna in theTsukiji fish market, TokyoSelf-serve display at a New England fish market. Customers use tongs to select their fish, then place it in a plastic tub for transfer to either the checkout counter or the fileting station.
Toyosu Market,Tokyo, Japan, the world's largest fish market, replacing the former Tsukiji Market, have at least the same capacity but in up-to-date infrastructure. It opened on 11 October 2018, 5 days after Tsukiji closure (for transfer purpose).
La Nueva Viga Market,Mexico City, Mexico; the world's second largest fish market. Marketing from 250,000 up to 550,000 tons of seafood a year.
Sydney Fish Market,Sydney, Australia the world's third largest fish market for volume sold and second largest in terms of variety.
Mercamadrid,Madrid, Spain; the world's fourth largest fish market, marketing about 220,000 tonnes a year.[1]
Tsukiji fish market inTokyo, Japan, was the world's largest fish market, marketing about 660,000 tonnes a year.[1] It closed on 6 October 2018 after 83 years of operation, with most activities moving to the new Toyosu Market.
Paula Mónaco Felipe (April 11, 2008). "La Nueva Viga, paseo marino en el DF fuera de las guías turísticas" [La Nueva Viga, marine walk in the Federal District outside of tour guide books]. La Jornada (in Spanish) (Mexico City). Retrieved March 13, 2011.
Sancar Seckiner's new book DZ Uzerine Notlar, published Dec. 2014, highlights historic connection between two important fish markets in the world :Billingsgate-Yenikapı.ISBN978-605-4579-83-9.
