The National Marine Aquarium is proud to be showcasing some amazing fishy fun this September during the Plymouth Seafood Festival. We’ll be joining in the festival supporting our local fishing industry.
With Plymouth being the world’s first city to be awarded the Fish2Fork Blue Fish status for its commitment to sourcing sustainable fish, there are so many reasons for us to support our local fisheries. Plymouth also has the second largest fish market in the UK, which can receive up to 60 tonnes of fish every day, offering a huge variety of sustainable seafood.
The National Marine Aquarium will be getting involved in our Showcase Marquee on both days of the festival with an Angler’s Outfitting Challenge, a talk on UK Sharks and fish dissection demonstrations happening twice over the course of both days so you don’t have to miss a thing! Full times and details below:
National Marine Aquarium Showcase Marquee Programme
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September
Time |
Demonstration |
Detail |
10am |
Angler’s Outfitting Challenge |
A contest for families to see who can dress up in full fishing outfit fastest! Quickest time on the day wins an NMA Prize |
11am |
UK Sharks! |
A short interactive talk on the 80 species of sharks which visit UK waters |
12pm |
Fish Dissection |
Join NMA scientists as we delve into what makes a fish a fish! |
1pm |
Angler’s Outfitting Challenge |
A contest for families to see who can dress up in full fishing outfit fastest! Quickest time on the day wins an NMA Prize |
2pm |
UK Sharks! |
A short interactive talk on the 80 species of sharks which visit UK waters |
3pm |
Squid Dissection |
Join NMA scientists as we delve into one of the weirdest creatures in our Oceans |

As well as the National Marine Aquarium’s showcase Marquee, Plymouth’s Seafood Festival will also host a variety of activities, children’s cookery fun, and offer up delightful fishy dishes. Well-known regional chefs will be demonstrating their fantastic culinary skills in the Cookery Theatre. Visitors will be able to sample some delightful sea food from lobster to whelk, whilst picking up some cooking techniques of their own. Fishing vessels will also be lined up along Quay Square, with the opportunity to see local vessels.
The Seafood Festival is such a fantastic way to demonstrate the necessity for sustainable seafood in our diets. The Plymouth Sustainable Fish City campaign, part of Reconnect, is run by the NMA and began in 2013 with the aim of bringing together a range of partners and initiatives to deliver change that supports responsible fish, local production and consumption.
The Plymouth Seafood Festival is also phasing out the use of single-use plastics within the event by 2020. Please help this along by bringing your own reusable containers, cups, and bags.
We look forward to seeing you at the Barbican on the 15th and 16th of September!