October 1, 2024

Maine’s display auction set model for the nation

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The Portland Fish Exchange and the Portland Fish Pier Authority will merge into one entity, keeping the name Portland Fish Pier Authority. Photo by the Portland Fish Exchange

PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Fish Exchange became America's first all-display fresh seafood auction when it first opened in 1986.

The exchange provides multiple services to the Gulf of Maine seafood industry, including live groundfish auctions, product unloading and refrigerated warehousing.

Commercial fishing vessels are offloaded in the morning and workers at the exchange separate the catch by species of fish and market grade.

Auctions are held every Monday through Thursday and the products purchased head to restaurants, markets and processing plants within hours of vessel landings.

WMTW photojournalist Kevin Fowler was able to capture what the Portland Fish Exchange is like on a typical Monday morning.