Tarragona - Live the fish market activity of the fishing port of La Rápita

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Fishing port of San Carlos de la Rápita in Tarragona

During tourism trips in coastal places, I've always liked visit the fishing ports, and see the great activity that develops in them, above all, the movement of boats with the docking behind the fishing operations and the activity of buying and selling fish in the fish markets, the elaboration and care of the nets.

It is true that on our coasts it is increasingly difficult to find fishing ports that maintain their traditional environment. After the decline in coastal fishing, the colorful fishing boats are disappearing from the ports, and are being replaced by pleasure boats.

Now, in the Mediterranean there is a port where you can still see this great activity, both of fishing and commercial boats in the fish market. I mean the port of San Carlos de la Rápita, at Ebro Delta, in Tarragona.

In a recent trip to Tarragona I had the chance to stroll through this fishing port just at the time when most of its fleet arrived with the fishing ready to be auctioned.

Fishing port of San Carlos de la Rápita in Tarragona

San Carlos de la Rápita It is one of the most important fishing ports in the Mediterranean, as it still houses a fleet of 90 units between small craft boats and large trawlers, compared to the 200 units that came to be a few decades ago.

The Market of San Carlos de la Rápita It opens its doors from Monday to Friday, at 3.30 pm, and begins to receive fishing from small boats. The trawlers, meanwhile, have up to 17,30 hours to reach the port, so that their cargo can be received and auctioned.

Although this fish market was created at the beginning of the last century by the brotherhood of fishermen of San CarlosWhen you go to the port you will find a modern building in which the traditional fish auction has been completely modernized since 2003.

Discharge of fish in the port of San Carlos de la Rápita

Prices are no longer sung loudly, but between two stands run two conveyor belts with all the fish and seafood to be auctioned, which is entering by order of arrival of the ships. To review that of San Carlos de la Rápita It is the only fish market in the Mediterranean with two ribbons.

Through large screens you will see the concrete fish box that is auctioned at all times, as well as prices. And buyers, wholesalers, fishermen and restaurants, with an electronic system push down.

Currently, in the Market of San Carlos de la Rápita about 20 tons of fish and shellfish are being auctioned, the most popular species being the galleys (a shrimp-like crustacean), shrimp, hake, sea bream and rock octopus.

Fish entry for auction in the market of the port of San Carlos de la Rápita

This fish that is auctioned at the fish market can be purchased immediately, as there are several fishmongers in the area that are already put on sale to the public between 7 pm and 9 pm each day.

The director of the fish market tells us that this activity is still in decline and tends to disappear, as diesel and Social Security costs are currently subsidized, which surely will not happen in the future.

Auction in the market of the port of San Carlos de la Rápita

Meanwhile, you still have the opportunity to enjoy a good time watching the great activity that every working day is lived in the afternoon in this fishing port.

Here you have more photos of the port and fish market of San Carlos de la Rápita.





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