SEABROOK — The 61 local commercial fishermen of Yankee Fisherman's Cooperative will offer fresh whole fish and lobsters directly to the consumer by mid-July, in a new Community Supported Fishery's program, similar to its successful shrimp-share program.
"Our shrimp CSF was so successful this year, that we're going to offer whole fish and lobster shares to the public starting the second week in July," said Bob Campbell, manager of the co-op. "People can purchase either a whole share, which is about 10 pounds a week for eight weeks, or half a share, which is about five pounds."
The whole fish available will depend on what's landed during the week, he said.
"What we usually catch is cod, haddock, pollock or various kinds of flounder," Campbell said. "Pick up points would be here (at the Yankee Fisherman's Cooperative on Route 1A in Seabrook), or a location in Durham. We're looking at one of two locations in Durham, but we'll decide where by July 10."
It's the second community-supported fishery business to set up shop in the Newburyport area. Cape Ann Fresh Catch, organized by Gloucester fishermen, delivers fish to Newburyport customers every Friday afternoon at the waterfront parking lot next to the Black Cow restaurant.
The Yankee Fisherman's Cooperative is building on its success from the native shrimp CSF, which ended the first week in May, Campbell said.
"Most people don't realize that the shrimp they find in most stores are shrimp farmed in fresh water pools that come from Third World countries, some as far away as Vietnam," Campbell said. "We really need to educate the consumer about what they're buying."
Those who participate in the CSF not only get fresh fish as low prices, but also help support local commercial fishermen who are in a highly regulated industry. Federal changes to fishing rules make it very difficult for independent fishermen to survive, Campbell said, and providing fish directly to the consumer is one way to compensate for the difficulty the industry is experiencing.
"Your fish and lobster will also carry the New Hampshire Fresh and Local brand that ensures it's landed in New Hampshire and is the freshest available," Campbell said.
Those who become part of the Yankee Fisherman's Cooperative CSF program will sign up for an eight-week subscription program running from July 10 through Aug. 28. Costs vary depending on how much and what is purchased.
Choices include:
A full share of Catch of the Day whole fish (8 to 12 pounds a week) for a $280 subscription, with half a share (4 to 6 pounds a week) for $140.
A full share of New Hampshire lobster (1.25 pounds each), 10 pounds per week for $400, and a half share (5 pounds per week) for $200.
There's even a plan for those who would like to alternate whole fish one week and lobsters the next. For alternating weeks of whole fish and lobster, a full share of 10 pounds would be $360 and a half share, or 5 pounds, at $180.
Those interested can learn more about the program by visiting the cooperative's website at www.yankeefish.com. Participants can even sign up and pay through the website, or by check.
Campbell is always happy to answer questions about fish and fishing, he said, and can be contacted at the cooperative at 603-474-9850.
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
