The main advantage of the Dutch fish auction system is that it will make the fishing industry total transparent. It is a computerized auction system by means of a large clock which shows data like the description of the lot on sale with the lot number, the number of crates, the weight per crate, the specie, its size, the quality and origin.

The auctioneer starts the clock at about one-dollar above the price per kilo. It goes down by a dollar every three seconds with each sweep of the clock face until the buyer stops the clock by

pressing the bid button on the electronic keypad of his registered seat.

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Besides the total transparency of the fishing industry an introduction of the Dutch auction system has the following benefits:

· The fish auction is in general a co-operative of fishermen, managed by an appointed director. As a co-operative it is able to negotiate lower prices for ice, handling and transport for its members.

· The auction also manages berthing and mooring facilities in the fishing port, and lends a strong voice to members' needs.

· It will standardize the industry regarding quality, minimum size of the fish, weight in the boxes, etc.

· It will be able to centralize training, education and technical support to its members.

· It will enhance export, due to higher quality and standardization of the fish.

· It will enhance processing and value adding by training and creation of new markets.

· It will generate a constant flow of very accurate data especially with regard to the landing of fish.

· Fishermen will receive a fair price for their products and payment will be received within 4 days after the auction day.

Despite all these benefits fishermen are reluctant to change to this system, as they are by nature very conservative. That is why this system has to be introduced gradually and carefully. Also we can expect a lot of opposition from the local traders, as it will not fit in their business strategy. An auction system will rule out a black money circuit and economical blackmail by middlemen is almost history.

As soon fishermen realize that it brings in many economical benefits, they all want to participate. For the government it has also many benefits, such as:

1. They only have to negotiate with the management of the auctions as representatives of the fishing communities.

2. In co-operation with the auctions they can set up a stock control management system especially with regard to the coastal fisheries.

3. In co-operation with the auctions deep-sea fisheries can be encouraged to reduce the pressure on coastal fisheries.

Of course many other initiatives with a positive effect on the fishing industry can be initiated. But without a complete control over coastal and deep-sea fisheries an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) system is not possible.

Each fish auction project is a fully integrated project, covering fishing, quality control, handling, marketing, logistics and social management. Or from fish to dish