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Skipper Otto

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In Our Community-Based Fisheries, Family Matters.

Partnerships with small-scale fishers are our lifeblood. Each year, we partner with more than 45 fishing families, local processors, and shore-side businesses who share our values. We support local economies across BC and Nunavut and enhance the social, ecological, and cultural fabric of our coastal communities. We believe you should get to know your local fishers and enjoy their harvest.

Our Fishing Families

  • Shaun Strobel

    Shaun is our lead fisher and industry expert with a MA in the history and political economy of the BC fishing industry, and a lifetime of experience fishing the BC coast. Starting in 2023 both his sons, Oliver and Lyndon Storbel, now third generation fishers, joined him for commercial salmon openings! Oliver taking on a newly appointed deckhand position on the Eldorado.

    Eldorado

    Gillnetting

    Sockeye & Chinook

    West coast of Vancouver Island, Barkley Sound & Alberni Inlet

  • Melanie Cranmer

    Melanie Cranmer, multi-generation cisaa?th (Tseshaht) First Nation fisher caught her share of these salmon aboard her skiff in Alberni Inlet/Somass River in June/July 2024. Melanie first learned to fish from her brothers, uncles and cousins. She has now taught and fishes with her children, and alongside her twin sister.

    Skiff

    Gillnetting

    Sockeye

    Westcoast Vancouver Island, Somass River

  • Darryl Siusangnark

    Darryl Siusangnark is a professional harvester who makes his living off the land around Naujaat in Nunavut, and is a key provider of fish for his community, supplying food for elders, food-insecure households, family, friends, community feasts, and commercial sales. He started fishing with his father in early childhood and has been fishing on his own since he was 18. Darryl braves frigid weather conditions and travels across the wintry tundra by snowmobile to catch fish from below the ice of frozen lakes. Check out Darryl's story on our blog!

    Snowmobile

    Gillnet and auger

    Arctic char

    Nunavut - Waterbodies near Naujaat

  • Bruce and Pilar Martinelli

    Bruce has been fishing for over 30 years. His wife, Pilar, and their young son, Rex, often join him on some trips. Rex being particularly fond of the ones which include some beach days! Bruce and his brother Steve grew up in a lighthouse on the BC coast and are the first fishermen in their family. Read more of the Martinelli's stories from the sea on our blog!

    Tantrum No. 1

    Bottom longline & Trolling

    Lingcod, Sablefish, Rockfish, Halibut & Albacore Tuna

    Westcoast of Vancouver Island & Haida Gwaii

  • Doug Kostering

    Doug is a multi-generation ‘Namgis First Nation fisherman. Doug started fishing with his grandpa in the 1960’s and has continued ever since. His children join him as crew on some trips. Learn more about Doug and how he fishes halibut on our blog!

    Paper Chase

    Gillnet & Bottom longline

    Salmon (sockeye, chinook, pink) & Halibut

    Most areas of the BC coast - West coast of Vancouver Island, Barkley Sound & Alberni Inlet; the waters around the north, northwest and northeast coasts of Vancouver Island; north coast of BC mainland

  • Joel and Melissa Collier

    Joel and Melissa fish aboard their 42′ boat, Lisa Jess, using many catch methods for a variety of species. As a 4th generation fisher, Joel grew up fishing and took over his parents fishing operations in 2014. Melissa, who has a background as a biologist married into the industry. Often with their two young children onboard, and balancing operations with advocacy, they are very much a true fishing family. Learn all about the Collier's experience fishing for Skipper Otto on our blog!

    Lisa Jess

    Trapping, mid-water trawl

    Scallops, spot prawns

    Johnston Strait & Mid Coast

Sustainable Fishing 

We take great care in cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with our small-scale fishers.

They take part in some of the most well-managed fisheries in the world. Using low-impact fishing methods with minimal bycatch ensures healthy marine ecosystems for generations to come.

Learn more

Join Skipper Otto

We make it easy for you to enjoy high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood while supporting small-scale, independent Canadian fishing families.

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