Released January 29, 2009
DURHAM, N.H. -- Residents of New Hampshire's seacoast region can soon purchase locally and sustainably caught shrimp and lobster directly from local fishermen at seacoast-area Winter Farmers Markets.
With shrimp and lobster prices at near 20-year lows, this is an economic boon to consumers and local fishermen alike.
Fishing: A vital component of the N.H. economy
Throughout our history, New Hampshire's commercial fishing industry has helped to shape the state's character and sense of community.
As a vital component of the state's economy for more than two centuries, commercial fishing has grown to a multi-million dollar industry in New Hampshire, employing approximately 100 commercial fishermen and supporting approximately 250 jobs in other sectors, including food processing, tourism, and boatyards.
Tough times for local fishermen
However, the state's seafood industry is at a critical juncture that will determine its future viability. Fishing regulations aimed at protecting declining fish stocks have made it difficult for commercial fishermen to turn a profit. Coupled with rock-bottom prices for shrimp and lobster, commercial fishermen worry that their livelihood is in jeopardy.
Extension initiative to help fishermen develop direct marketing strategies But how can the shrimp and lobster industries both sustain the resource and increase profits from fish sales?
The answer may lie in establishing direct markets for local and sustainably caught seafood. By selling directly to consumers, fishermen get to keep more of the profits.
Combining a Significant Issues grant from UNH Cooperative Extension with other grant funding, we began conducting research to look at the prospects for direct marketing of seafood. We're conducting a survey to build a marketing profile of consumers and also surveying fishermen and retailers.
We've also been working with the fishermen of the Yankee Seafood Co-op, based in Seabrook, to build stronger links between commercial fishermen and local fresh markets and area restaurants.
Winter markets the first step
As one result of our initiative, the Co-op will begin selling shrimp and lobster at Winter Farmers' Markets sponsored by Seacoast Eat Local. What better venue for fishermen than a farmers market where agricultural producers are already selling a variety of locally produced foods?
While the financial benefit may be modest for fishermen this first season, we see the farmers' markets as a way to get the word out, give fishermen an opportunity to talk to consumers about sustainable seafood harvesting, and provide information about cooking and preparing fresh seafood.
The Winter Markets help lay the groundwork for a variety of direct marketing opportunities, including community-supported fisheries (similar to community-supported agriculture).
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http://extension.unh.edu/news/2009/01/fresh_seafood_direct_from_new.html
