Katie Spielberger / Capital City Weekly file
Story last updated at 7/21/2010 - 12:07 pm
Buying locally produced foods is a trend that’s taken off across the nation, and Sitka is making sure that applies to fish. This summer a group of Sitkans launched Alaska’s first Community Supported Fisheries project which pre-sells shares of local catches directly to local customers. The fish is sold under the “Alaskans Own Seafood” brand, which claims to combine “the best in business with the best in conservation.”
The fish is pre-sold to “subscribers” in either 40 pound or 20 pound packs, said CSF program coordinator Beth Short.
“Every other week customers get something a little different. They’ve already had a halibut and black cod pick up, some ling cod and rock fish, and this time around it’s king salmon. Then later on in the season we’ll have coho,” Short said.
The CSF started out small with 18 subscribers who paid $380 (plus tax) for 40 pound shares and $180 for 20 pounds.
“That averaged out to be $9.50 a pound, which is really good,” Short said.
All of the fish is delivered to Sitka Sound Seafoods where set poundage is portioned, vacuum packed and flash frozen. That makes it easy for the two dozen participating fishermen, who get a price bump of about 25 cents a pound.
Short said the CSF provides access to fish that most locals can’t get for themselves.
“We have this bounty of seafood, but if you don’t have a boat or the inclination to fish, or you don’t know someone who can go out and get fish for you, your opportunities are very limited,” Short said. “I have always felt it was kind of strange and sad that it is so hard for locals to get a hold of seafood that comes from the waters right off their doorsteps.”
The CSF is part of a larger mission by Sitka fishermen who are committed to sustainable fishing practices. It is part of the Fishery Conservation Network started by the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, with funding by the North Pacific Fisheries Trust and Eco-Trust. Beth Short is hopeful the CSF will serve as a model for other Alaska fishing towns, and she is eager to share information. Find out more at www.alaskansown.com or info@alaskansown.com.
