Strong public interest in sustainable seafood is also fueling an impressive movement in Gloucester, in other parts of New England and around the nation — to connect local fishermen more directly with local consumers as farmer’s markets have long connected local farmers with consumers.
In Gloucester, seafood lovers can join a new community supported fishery project called Cape Ann Fresh Catch that is run by the nonprofit Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association. Cape Ann Fresh Catch, modeled after the highly successful community supported agriculture projects, started in June and already has 780 members who pay in advance for a share of fish each week. Members pick up locally caught whole cod, haddock or other fish at one of a number of pickup locations around the North Shore.
Angela Sanfilippo, the president of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association, wants members of the community supported fishery to get more than fresh, wholesome fish.