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 Less and less time on the water, lousy prices due to cheap imports, increasing fishing regulations - it hasn't been easy being a fisherman working the Gulf of Maine. In fact, it's almost impossible to make a living, which is why more and more New England fishermen are hanging up their nets and telling their children not to follow in their foot steps.
For some Port Clyde fishermen, though, quitting just isn't in their blood. That's why a group of them decided to take things in their own hands. No more sailing down to Portland and selling their catch at the auction there and being at the mercy of the Boston fish dealers. "We had no connection for what we got for our fish and what we needed to get for our fish," said Glen Libby, one of the fishermen who helped form Port Clyde Fresh Catch in 2007.
From its inception, Port Clyde Fresh Catch has been all about sustainability. With the help of some nonprofits like Maine's Island Institute, the coop opened a small processing plant and became the first Community Supported Fishery (CSF) in the country by pre-selling its catch directly to consumers. From a handful of members, the Port Clyde CSF has grown to almost 400 consumers who pick their seafood up weekly at various farmer's markets and food coops.
"We offer a higher boat price to our fishermen. The whole point behind Port Clyde Fresh Catch is to preserve the fish industry," says Jessica Libby, Glen's daughter who is Port Clyde's business manager. Towards that goal, Port Clyde fishermen have been working with the Nature Conservancy in developing new trawling techniques that reduce their bycatch. The buzz about the quality of Port Clyde's seafood has attracted a growing wholesale business. Chefs and small retailers, who can get Port Clyde seafood by overnight delivery, like the idea of connecting directly with fishermen, getting fresher fish and supporting a local fishing community.
Click here to view Port Clyde Fresh Catch's products and remember to tell them you found them using FishChoice when you contac them.
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