SEABROOK — Yankee Fisherman's Co-op's experimental move to sell fish directly to consumers at farmers markets has been such a success, the organization is taking to cyberspace, launching a Web site allowing residents and businesses on both sides of the border access to fish freshly caught from the Gulf of Maine.
In January, the 61 members of the only commercial fishermen's cooperative left along this stretch of the Atlantic made the bold move of selling to consumers at enclosed New Hampshire farmers markets. The decision was an attempt to help the region's beleaguered 400-year-old commercial fishing industry survive.
"The idea worked," said co-op manager Robert Campbell, laughing. "How about that?"
The co-op's endeavor corresponded with the Granite State's Buy Local campaign, intended to help local farmers, bakers, food processors and dairy producers by encouraging the region's consumers to buy locally grown and made food.
Some farmers markets, once considered only a summer activity, are now enclosed and open year-round, allowing the co-op to continue selling fresh Gulf of Maine shrimp to those who buy into their program.
"Exeter's (indoor) farmers market feels having us there with the seafood draws more people to the market," Campbell said.
Campbell is also working with Newburyport's farmers market in hopes of taking part in that as well. Newburyport's market just closed for the winter.
But for those looking for added convenience, and for those living across the border in Massachusetts, Yankee Fisherman's Co-op has launched its Web site, www.yankeefish.com, through which consumers can buy into an eight-week shrimp share program. Restaurants can also use the site to access freshly caught fish like cod, haddock, flounder and lobsters wholesale directly from the co-op, with no middlemen in between.
The result can lower costs of seafood for those who love it.
"Your shrimp will carry the New Hampshire Fresh and Local brand, which ensures it was landed in New Hampshire and is the freshest available," Campbell said.
Buying seafood in this way not only assures the freshest fish, but it supports the region's commercial fishermen involved in a historic New England industry that has suffered setbacks in recent years, Campbell said.
The Yankee Fisherman's Co-op in an organization of ground-fishermen who catch cod, pollock, haddock, flounder, etc., as well as lobstermen, tuna fishermen and shrimpers. Fishing the waters of the Gulf of Maine, boats leave in the morning to fish and return to port each evening with their catch, assuring the freshest products available, while complying with the current fishing regulations to ensure sustainable supplies of fish in the future, Campbell said.
The Co-op's Route 1A facility is annually inspected by the FDA and has continually met or exceeded all health and safety standards.
How to order
Ordering shrimp through Yankee Fisherman's Co-op:
The co-op is offering shares for the upcoming Northern Shrimp season.
Online: Visit the Web site, www.yankeefish.com, and click on "Shrimp CSF" at the top of the page. An eight-week subscription to the winter (January - February) season offers a full share or 10 pounds of whole shrimp per week for a total of $128, or $1.60 per pound. Half shares are also sold for $72 ($1.80 per pound).
Shareholders can pick up their shrimp at the co-op on Route 1A in Seabrook, or at Exeter's Farmers Market at the scheduled times.
Restaurants or other food service businesses can click on "Wholesale" to purchase popular ground fish and lobsters directly from the men who catch them, with price and availability quoted over the phone. For more information, contact Robert Campbell at the Yankee Fisherman's Co-op at 603-474-9850.
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
