David Pessell, of Plymouth Trawler Agents, said persistent squabbling between the fishermen, buyers, auctioneers, and the port's ruling Harbour Commissioners, is, "pulling the port apart".
"What Newlyn needs is a strong arm to pull the key players together," he said. The deadline for tenders to run Newlyn's proposed £7 million fish market is tomorrow.
Harbour master Andrew Munson confirmed the tenders of five businesses, including one Plymouth business were anticipated.
He said the interested businesses will be interviewed on the week of December 8 and that a decision is expected before Christmas.
However, many are sceptical about the plan. Mr Pessell said his firm's interest in running the market wavered "after the frightening things we heard about the tender".
"The information was not sufficient to base a tender on and in terms of what is being requested it appears a totally unviable operation," he said.
"Whoever takes on the running of the market is going to have to kit it out with machinery, grading machines, fridges, and an electronic auction.
"That's going to cost a substantial amount – possibly about £1 million," he said.
Mr Munson confirmed the manager would have to pay fitting out costs but said fridges, grading machines and boxes and pallet trucks will be transferred from the existing market.
Robin Turner, one of the port's two auctioneers, the other being W Stevenson & Sons, said he agreed with Mr Pessell's remarks.
"The information available is so scant there's no way you can put in a tender. You can't foresee if you will still have the shirt left on your back after 12 months."
However, Nick Howells of the Pilchard Works in Newlyn, said until anyone knew the figures they should refrain from making judgement.
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