By Yvette d'Entremont-The Weekly News
A small group of Bay of Fundy fishermen are bringing fresh fish to HRM consumers this summer in exchange for fair prices and increased control over their livelihoods.
The ‘Off The Hook' initiative is described as Atlantic Canada's first community-supported fishery.
"A CSF is a local food model. It's really quite similar to community-supported agriculture in that subscribers pay at the beginning of the summer for a cooperative weekly share of fish," explained Sadie Beaton, community-supported fishing coordinator with the Ecology Action Centre.
"By having consumers pay directly, they (fishermen) can get a fair price and are assured of that price for those eight weeks so they can afford to go out and get these fish."
Using traditional ground fish bottom hook and line fishing methods, the five Bay of Fundy fishermen will provide fresh, high quality, local and traceable fish to consumers each week.
Every Thursday from July 22 until Sept. 9, subscribers receive their allotment of the co-op's share of fresh whole haddock, with the occasional hake and pollock. The weekly pick-up location is Capital Health's "Partners For Care" Victoria General terrace space at 1278 Tower Rd.
Consumers who invest in shares of the catch also support coastal communities and a low-impact fishing method. Beaton said the gear used by co-op fishermen is low impact and a viable and ecologically preferable alternative to bottom dragging gear.
"Many people are wanting a more direct connection with where their food comes from, and they can get that connection with the fishing community and the ocean that's sustaining them," Beaton said. "This is 100 per cent sustainable because people know where and when it's caught, which is great."
This community-supported fishery is being modeled after successful initiatives in Gloucester and Port Clyde, Maine. Last year the Ecology Action Centre conducted a research study on seafood direct marketing. Beaton said the group of five Bay of Fundy fishermen were interested and determined to pursue the initiative.
"Port Clyde was the first and they're four years into their program now. They've had quite a bit of growth," said Beaton. "They even opened a cooperative-owned processing facility. It's exciting to see just where a community supported fishery can go."
The cooperative's first run will include a limited number of subscribers. Beaton said they're hoping 200 people sign on.
"We want delicious fresh seafood to be eaten locally. In Nova Scotia we ship 75 per cent of it, so that all the best stuff is going to Boston and further afield," Beaton said. "People in other places would be shocked to know how difficult it can be to get fresh Nova Scotia fish when you live here."
A second, shorter run is expected to take place this fall. Detailed information about Off The Hook and instructions on signing up can be found online at www.offthehookcsf.ca or by calling 442-0999.
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
