What are the benefits of a CSF?

Skipper Otto’s CSF is a triple bottom-line business which means the benefits are in many different areas:

Environmental benefits:

  • CSF programs began as a method to help marine ecosystems recover from the effects of overfishing while supporting fishing communities
  • Fishermen are able to alter their target species based on what is abundant, not what is in high demand by the larger supply chain.
  • Exploited species are given a break
  • Provides a framework through which fishermen and consumers can creatively steward marine resources
  • Because we cut out the middleman we can afford to pay fishermen a higher price per lb so they don’t need to resort to higher-impact, less sustainable fishing practices to stay in business

Economic benefits:

  • Ensures independent, small-scale, low-impact fishermen receive a fair price for their catch and are able to remain in an industry dominated by big business and aquaculture
  • Ensures that members pay a fair, stable price for their seafood and understand exactly where their dollars are going

Social benefits:

  • Engages fishermen and community members in a more robust local food system
  • Establishes a transparent chain-of-custody from boat to fork
  • Increases access to premium, local, sustainably harvested seafood.
  • Educates consumers about local fisheries practices and concerns directly from the fishermen and fishermen gain knowledge about what their consumers value.