South Shore Processor and Halifax Retailer Partner to Market a Sustainable Groundfish Product Line

August 1, 2007

HALIFAX, LOWER EAST PUBNICO – Consumers hungry for a consistent source of sustainable seafood will be satisfied starting this Wednesday, August 1st, after Alyssa Foods of Lower East Pubnico makes its first delivery of bottom hook and line caught groundfish to Halifax-based retailer Home Grown Organic Foods.

Alyssa Foods is the first local processor to market a line of bottom hook and line fish products in Nova Scotia. Proprietor George Cunningham explains, “Last winter a few of us started talking about kids and grandkids, wondering what we’re going to leave them with. We decided it was time to do something different, and market a sustainable fishery and a better fish.”

The fish are being caught on George’s bank, using a selective fishing gear that allows for superior quality product and doesn’t negatively impact groundfish habitat. Bottom hook and line groundfish, including haddock, pollock and hake, is a sustainable alternative to dragger caught groundfish. Currently, most of the bottom hook and line fish caught by Nova Scotian fishermen is exported to the US, where savvy chefs and consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable, high-quality seafood.

Home Grown Organic Foods (HGOF) is a locally-owned business dedicated to satisfying the growing demand for healthy, locally grown, affordable and ecologically sustainable foods. In addition to its home delivery service, HGOF has a small store on Allan St. in Halifax’s west end. Owner Geordie Ochterloney is delighted to partner with Alyssa Seafoods to provide a steady supply of quality sustainable seafood to interested customers. ”It’s been incredibly difficult to get fish that I can be sure is hook and line. There is a real demand for it from my customers, so this is an exciting opportunity. With all the other products we sell, it is great to be able to add fish – particularly since we live in a place with such a fishing history.”

For the past several years, the Ecology Action Centre has been advocating consumption of hook and line groundfish – but the issue has been one of supply. “Try heading to the local fish market, and asking for hook and line fish,” says Sustainable Seafood Coordinator, Sadie Beaton. “Now, with the SeaChoice consumer program and increasingly publicized marine conservation science, people are becoming more aware. It is really exciting for us to be able to tell people where they can get hook and line fish. We see Alyssa Food’s initiative as a real breakthrough.”