Skipper Otto Community Supported Fishery (CSF) is a triple bottom-line business which means the benefits are in many different areas:
Environmental benefits:
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CSF programs began as a method to help marine ecosystems recover from the effects of overfishing while supporting fishing communities
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Fishers are able to alter their target species based on what is abundant, not what is in high demand by the larger supply chain.
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Exploited species are given a break
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Provides a framework through which fishers and consumers can creatively steward marine resources
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Because we cut out the middleman we can afford to pay fishers 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:
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Ensures independent, small-scale, low-impact fishing families receive a fair price for their catch and are able to remain in an industry dominated by big business and aquaculture
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Ensures that members pay a fair, stable price for their seafood and understand exactly where their dollars are going
Social benefits:
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Engages fishers and community members in a more robust local food system
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Establishes a transparent chain-of-custody from boat to fork
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Increases access to premium, local, sustainably harvested seafood.
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Educates consumers about local fisheries practices and concerns directly from the fishers while fishers gain knowledge about what their consumers value.