Saba Fishermen Association opened the new Saba Fish Market on Sunday, December 6.
SABA--Saba Fishermen Association (SFA) opened the new Saba Fish Market during the 45th Saba Day celebrations on Sunday, December 6.
The market joins the already-existing local vegetable market of Saba Reach, the many local animal and vegetable farmers and the local egg production.
When SFA was established more than a year ago, one of its main objectives was and still is to sell local fish to locals. With the little profit SFA hopes to make it wants to create a financial buffer to assist registered fishermen when needed.
With the support of the public entity Saba and its membership SFA was able to purchase the necessary equipment and have the market ready for Saba.
“With having the sea all around us and having the Saba Bank as our main fishing grounds, we are able to catch fish like in the old days, when local fish was a common good and part of daily life. Fishing has always been in Saba’s blood. Either fishing from land with a line or further out by boat, young and old know how to bring their fish home. We are glad that we can be part of this tradition and expand this to a new level,” said SFA president Hemmie van Xanten.
According to Saba’s fishermen, purchasing locally caught fish and seafood ensures that the product is sustainably harvested and in compliance with fishing regulations. Buying local fish benefits Saba’s economy in creating and maintaining jobs for fishermen.
Locally caught seafood has a low carbon footprint when compared to imported seafood, and results in a fresher and better-tasting product. Consuming seafood at least twice a week also contributes to a healthier diet.
Van Xanten thanked all volunteers and board members for their constructive input and made special mention of treasurer Cassandra “Cassy” Holm “in her never-ending drive to make this market a reality in such a short period.”
The Saba Fish Market is open 9:00-11:00am on Tuesday and Thursday, and 9:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday. One can pre-order fish by calling tel. 416-5334.
