Featured Organization: Local Catch Network

How does LCN partner with others to catalyze systems change? 
The LCN works closely with various partners to better understand how to fill gaps and meet the needs of small-scale fishermen and communities across North America. We align ourselves with other values-based organizations to build connections across sectors and highlight the important work of fishing communities and the role of fish as food, when it is often overlooked. 

How has COVID-19 impacted your community and how has LCN responded?
Since the onset of COVID-19, alternative seafood models have experienced an influx of interest and many new and existing members of the Local Catch Network have pivoted their business models to meet the demand by providing seafood directly to the members of their community. LCN supports its members by facilitating of peer-to-peer conversations and technical assistance that provide opportunities for members and experts to share information about COVID-19 updates and policies pertinent to small-scale fisheries, lessons learned, and best practices.   

The pandemic has caused many regulations to be loosened and new partnerships to be formed. Of the changes you have seen and made, which would you like to maintain moving forward? Are you seeing steps that food systems leaders can take to ensure lasting change?
Fisheries management and regulations vary by state, county, and water bodies. In the last several years, we have seen a range of regulatory changes to allow local and direct-to-consumer seafood sales, including the “Pacific to Plate” bill that was enacted in 2015, which led to new seafood markets such as the  Tuna Harbor Dockside Market in San Diego. Similar markets have also emerged during the pandemic, such as the Bellingham Dockside Market. During the pandemic we have also observed regulatory changes that have helped fishermen connect to consumers, including the temporary off-the-boat sales licensure passed in Rhode Island. There is a tremendous opportunity to replicate, expand, and implement initiatives like dockside markets and direct/off-the-boat sales policies throughout North America to create lasting change. 

The country has seen ongoing protests around systemic anti-Black racism in 2020, and a violent fascist coup attempt at the start of 2021. Systemic racism is not new, but there are more conversations happening around dismantling racism at the local, regional and national levels.. How does LCN work to create a more equitable and explicitly anti-racist food system?
LCN is structured around nine core-values  in which seafood harvesters are paid a fair price for their catch, communities have access values-based seafood, and the individuals who produce, distribute and consume seafood are the voices that drive LCN’s work. Many of LCN’s members are working to combat and dismantle systemic racism through food advocacy. For example, Fishadelphia, a Philadelphia-based community supported fishery, is working with diverse inner city schools to increase access to fresh and local seafood. Meanwhile, in Alaska, Alaskan’s Own, has been working to address issues of food insecurity and hunger during the pandemic by creating a seafood donation program in Alaska and the Northwest. We recognize that there is much work to be done by LCN as we continue to build relationships with and elevate the work of BIPOC fishing communities.