Sorting

a. Planning
Based on the drawing of lots ( i.e. the order in which the fish will be auctioned is determined by drawing lots ), a planning for the sorting is drawn up by the hall supervisor.  In principle, the vessel that will be auctioned first will be sorted first.

b. Mechanical sorting
The most common flatfish are sorted mechanically : plaice, sole, lemon sole, Scottish dab, …
The capacity can amount to 6.000 - 7.000 kg/hour.
Other species of flatfish are sorted semi-automatically : the fish are placed on the conveyer belt by hand. The weighing of flatfish is computer-controlled.  For round fish, such as cod, haddock and anglerfish, a machine was designed in 2001, in association with a Dutch construction company.
On the basis of our experience, we have succeeded in& developing an efficient mechanical sorting process for these species.
All crates have a net weight of 40 kg. ( i.e. without ice and meltwater ).

c. Manual sorting
Next to mechanical sorting, manual sorting remains necessary for certain types of fish.  Some species, such as ray ( more than 10 varieties ), red gurnard, dogfish … and shellfish require manual sorting.  This is done in an expert manner by former fishermen or by people from the fishing industry, whose experience allows them to sort the more delicate types of fish blindfold.  They sort the fish according to variety, after which each variety is subdivided into weight categories.  The sorted crates are weighed manually, in order to ensure that they contain exactly 40 kg of fish, and are then put in the deposit hall next to the other crates containing the fish caught by the vessel concerned.

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