New interest in online sales since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted a Sesimbra, Portugal-based virtual platform that sells fish to the public from the local artisanal fishing fleet.
Cabaz do Peixe delivers local fish at a better price for the consumer while also guaranteeing a fair price to fishermen, explained the European Commission’s FARNET - the European Fisheries Areas Network. Due to the pandemic, the scheme has been adapted to ensure less client exposure in more crowded locations.
“Consumers order online and receive a delivery of 3kg of fish (flaked and gutted) for €25,” said FARNET. “Depending on the catch of the day, the basket will contain fish from a list of 26 possible species. Customers can indicate in advance up to three species that they do not want to receive.”
Cabaz do Peixe was set up in 2015 with cooperation between the local fishing boat owners’ association, AAPCS, and a local environmental NGO, Liga para a Protecção da Natureza. Other local stakeholders, such as the Municipality of Sesimbra and Docapesca, a public company that manages fish landing sites and a first sale system, have also been active in supporting the platform.
In 2018, the ADREPES Costeiro FLAG supported a new investment for the expansion of the project. Having previously received support to build the online platform and equip a warehouse with the necessary refrigeration systems, the second round of financial support from the FLAG allowed AAPCS to scale up its distribution capacity and, in turn its sales volume, thanks to the acquisition of a second refrigerated truck.
