The local seafood industry continues to take a hit because of the coronavirus restrictions, but today through Saturday, there is the chance for locals in Point Pleasant Beach to buy wholesale fish and keep the industry afloat -- at huge discounts.

 

Local fish markets, such as Shore Fresh Seafood Market in Point Pleasant Beach, are now offering the catch of the day at prices not seen in decades. 

Several fishing boats dropped off their catch Wednesday -- porgies, sea bass, summer flounder, all caught in local waters, for sale to the general public. 

 

"Over 70% of the seafood eaten in this country is eaten in restaurants," says Jim Lovgren, with Fishermen's Dock Co-Op Inc. "With the closure of restaurants, there goes our market, the local domestic fishery has been hammered because we can go fishing and catch fish, but nowhere to sell it. The restaurants are closed."

Through Saturday, in an effort to help keep the fishing boat families above water, an open-to-the-public market will set up so people can pick up local seafood for the religious holiday weekend. 

"Just the freshness of it, coming right off the boat,” says Richard Brecka, with the market. “There's nothing you're eating today, it was swimming last night, cutters from the party boats are coming down they'll be cutting the fish as we are selling it. Right off the boat, right onto the plate."

The open-air market will take place today through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the market.