Sustainable Fishing Business Startup

Help us build a small, sustainable fishing business.

This Sustainable Puget Sound Fishery Plan aims to promote localization and a more closed-loop sustainable option for seafood consumption in our community. In order to do this in an efficient manner, we seek to purchase a new Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport that will serve as our primary fishing vessel.

 

A key aspect of the plan's sustainability is that we plan to open a stand at the Edmonds Farmers Market, which would allow us to sell fresh seafood locally with almost zero carbon footprint. We will specialize in salmon, lingcod, crab, etc. from the Puget Sound, as well as producing our own special recipe of smoked salmon. Since the farmers market is open for several hours each week, we believe it is realistic to maintain a consistent presence in years to come. For the past several years, we have fished and crabbed on a regular basis and have been very successful in bringing home ample seafood for family and friends.

 

The scope of our plan is straight-forward and fairly small scale, especially since the focus is on locality. We understand that sustainability is best achieved by focusing on the importance of locality and a local economy. Our localization effort will also promote the strengthening of social capital, which should lead to a more loyal customer base.

 

While we realize that there are limits to how much seafood we may catch each day, we view this limit as positive. After all, if the scope were larger, there would be a higher risk of exploiting the seafood stock.

 

In order to ensure our plan will continue to be sustainable, we will work with Dominic's sister, Maria, who is in her senior year at Seattle University working toward a degree in environmental studies. Her area of expertise is sustainability, so she will help ensure we are fishing and crabbing in the most sustainable way possible. We will work toward minimizing greenhouse gas emissions by choosing one of the closest farmers markets to our home port of  "“ either the Edmonds Farmers Market (0.7 miles away, 15 minute walk, 7 minutes bike ride) or the Mountlake Terrace Farmers Market (5.6 miles away from pier). In terms of minimizing carbon output, we plan to transport our product to market by walking or biking whenever possible and monitoring fuel usage for the efficient Mercury 40 EFI boat motor. We will work toward minimizing waste by using recyclable, reusable and compostable materials whenever possible.

 

The purpose of our plan is not to make a profit, but instead to promote a sustainable alternative for a local, small fishery. The majority of the funds we earn will go back into the business, and to help produce a web-based video show about our endeavors.

 

Lastly, food-related energy use accounts for almost 16 percent of national energy use. The average food item travels 1640 kilometers for delivery. Our action plan minimizes the greenhouse gas emissions, offering an ideal alternative in addition to offering a non-resource intensive source of protein for our customers.

 

 

Timeline Overview:

1. Apply for retail food endorsement license "“ February 2013

2. Apply to farmers market "“ February 2013

3. Research sustainable packaging materials "“ February 2013

4. Evaluate current fishing/crabbing methods "“ February 2013

5. Gather materials for transportation and storage to be aligned with local health codes "“ March 2013

6. Secure purchase of boat: Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport "“ mid-April 2013

7. Develop PR materials: banner/sign, business cards, come up with name, explanation of products and goals of sustainability "“ late April 2013

8. Begin production of video blog "“ May 2013

9. Purchase all needed materials "“ first week of May 2013

10. Set up stand and start selling "“ mid-May 2013

11. Assess and continuously evaluate practices "“ May through August 2013

About Us

"¢ Dominic DeMiero is a 17-year-old junior from Brier, Wash. He attends Mountlake Terrace High School where he is actively involved in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. Dominic grew up fishing in the Puget Sound and local lakes with his grandpa, dad and older brother, Gabe. It was clear early on that fishing was in his blood, and Dominic has become well known for his expertise, persistence and savvy approach to salmon fishing throughout the Puget Sound.

"¢ Luke Luttrell is a 17-year-old junior from Mountlake Terrace, Wash. He attends Mountlake Terrace High School where he is active in academics "“ particularly in the area of technology and engineering "“ and extra-curricular activities. Luke is an avid, successful fisherman who learned well from his dad about the unique freshwater and saltwater fishing that is abundant in the Pacific Northwest.