Growing up in Steveston, B.C., a fishing community about 20 miles south of Vancouver, Julie Bell has always been familiar with fishermen and their catch. She began her foray into fish by buying albacore off the docks and canning it for her friends and family. As more people clamored for this high-fat, low-mercury tuna, other fishermen began asking her to help sell their catch.

Sensing an opportunity, Julie teamed up with Greg Armitage five years ago and started Seaside Marketing, a company that specializes in buying British Columbia's finest seafood straight off the docks and delivering it directly to the finest restaurants, hotels and gourmet retail markets. From the beginning the company has been committed to only selling the highest quality, sustainable seafood and encouraging customers to try something new. "We have to start broadening our picture. We are tiring species out very quickly, when we have so many amazing products right at our doorstep. We all have the power to make the right sustainable choice," she says. Seaside only sells seafood that is rated a "Best Choice" by sustainable seafood NGOs.

Her relationship with fishermen and knowledge of fish has allowed Seaside to develop a number of new value-added products. One of the most exciting products is sablefish collars, which fishermen used to save for themselves. Dubbed "sableene," these rich, tender nuggets of boneless meat melt in your mouth, she says, and have quickly caught on with chefs who are looking for a new twist. Julie enjoys sharing her passion for and knowledge of seafood with her customers. The smallest spot prawns, for example, are the sweetest, she notes.

The company is actively pursuing new accounts in eastern Canada and the U.S., which it can service by air freight or overnight delivery services.  Seaside's commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Sea Choice, a Vancouver-based NGO, has recognized Seaside for championing sustainable seafood.

Click here to view Seaside's products and remember to tell them you found them on FishChoice.com.