Port of Seattle Expands Fish Sales Policy at Fishermen's Terminal

Beginning May 1, consumers will be able to buy portioned fresh and frozen fish directly from fishermen at the Port of Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal.

"This is good for fishermen and consumers," said Port of Seattle Commission Chair Patricia Davis. "It is a unique opportunity for people to buy the freshest fish available, from the people who caught it, directly off the boat that was used to catch it."

The change in policy provides more choice and variety for consumers and gives fishermen better opportunities to supplement their income with direct sales.

"Previously, direct sales were limited to whole fish, either fresh or frozen," said Charlie Sheldon, Managing Director of the Seaport Division. "But a whole fish is more than some people want to buy. Now they can buy fillets or steaks, rather than filling their entire freezer with whole fish."

The Port agreed to the policy change in response to a group of fishermen at the Terminal who asked to sell a portioned fish directly to consumers.

"We feel that it's a positive step forward to increase the excitement and improve the economy at Fishermen's Terminal," said David Harsila, owner of the gillnetter Excel and one of the fishermen who helped initiate the policy change. "We're trying to help out the small boat fleet, and particularly the fleet that fishes locally," Harsila said.

The Port also announced it will work with fishermen to help them market their catch directly to consumers. Those efforts may include signage, advertising, and training.

Off-the-boat sales will occur along the West Wall, a sea wall that forms the western boundary of the boat basin at the Terminal. Before fishermen can moor in the fish sales area and begin selling directly to consumers, they will be asked to show a health permit from the Seattle/King County Health Department, and if applicable, a U.S Food and Drug Administration Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point Plan.

The Port is in the midst of a $30 million capital program at Fishermen's Terminal that includes completely rebuilding the South Wall, a recently completed $9 million upgrade to electrical systems and plans to rebuild and reconfigure docks 5 through 10. Renovation of docks 3 and 4 will begin this fall. The rebuilt South Wall will handle much heavier loads than the previous structure, which was built in 1914. The greater load capacity will make it easier to load gear and equipment onto their boats.