Frequently Asked Questions
Honolulu Fish Auction
Why is the auction system important to the sustainability of the Hawaii fishing industry?
- An auction system brings the daily fish landings together with the market demand.
- Fishery waste (at-sea discards) occurs when the value of fish is low.
- Fishery waste as spoilage occurs when fish are not handled properly
- Open-bidding on each fish allows the market to determine the value of the fish.
- Fishery waste is minimized because of the economic incentives.
- It’s a system that has worked in Hawaii for decades.
- We play a pivotal role in working with our fishermen, not against them.
- This is not only in marketing their fish, but in seafood quality and seafood safety.
- We are able to pay fishermen immediately so they can get back out fishing.
- After all, in any business, isn't getting paid the most important step?
How do the fishermen and the auction work together?
- All our fishermen are registered with the auction. We know who they are and how they handle their fish.
- Our fishermen sign letters of assurance that they followed safe fish handling practices at sea.
- A vessel's catch is unloaded based on time of arrival to the dock.
- Unloading begins in the early morning hours shortly after midnight.
- Fish are weighed, tagged, inspected and displayed for auction bidding.
- The auction starts at 5:30 am and lasts until all the fish are sold.
- Fishermen are paid that afternoon.
What is done to preserve the quality and safety of auction fish?
- All fishermen have agreed to follow safe fish handling practices.
- All fish are inspected for signs of spoilage and mishandling before they are offered at auction.
- Fish temperatures are checked and fish are kept cold once they are at the auction.
- Our facility is inspected by the FDA.
- We have an intense sanitation program and seafood safety plan that keeps our seafood safe.