how the Arcachon auction avoids deadweight losses

While the auctions of Royan and La Rochelle bear witness to dead losses linked to the ban which has affected boats of more than eight meters in the Bay of Biscay since Wednesday January 22, that of Arcachon ensures that a balance is maintained. The port director, Germain Stoldick, explains this.

“All auctions are facing the same problem, and since 2024, this measure, renewable in 2026, is data that we have integrated. We know that we will lose between 800,000 and 900,000 euros in turnover, without aid. But if, in terms of volumes (1), Arcachon only ranks 25^e position in France, it is 3^e regarding the average price. » Understand that Arcachon is one of the most expensive auctions in France and that in 2024 prices will increase by 11%. “This ensures fishermen better value for their products… and more revenue for the auction,” argues the director.

“Diversify the origin of buyers”

A trend which is not without consequences. Of the 1,200 tonnes of fish landed each year, the majority of which are so-called “noble” species (sole, sea bass, monkfish and hake), 30% are classified as “extra” E quality, the rest falling under an A criterion of “good quality”.

It is a guarantee of excellence that the port management actively seeks. “The idea is to diversify the origin of buyers by stimulating the auction market,” continues Germain Stoldick. Of the 95 buyers registered at the Arcachon auction, 67% order via the internet and are therefore not physically present to see the quality of the products. “They trust our qualification work. »

But in addition to France, Spain and the Netherlands are also buying. This search for quality is exported… while, at the same time, France imports most of the fish it consumes.

(1) Five trawlers, around forty small boats carrying out intra-Basin fishing as well as 15 gillnetters and coastal boats (affected by the ban) make up the fleet.