Welcome to
Cape Ann Fresh Catch
Empowering the Gloucester Fishing Community
We are not in the seafood business.
We are in the Community Supported Fishery Business.
We’re a movement committed to fostering a just economy for local Gloucester fishermen. Since our inception in 2008 by the Fishermen’s Wives Association, and now under the stewardship of Donna Marshall, Melissa Marshall, and Nancy Crate, we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating a sustainable, direct supply chain that celebrates the rich heritage and resilience of Gloucester’s fishing community.
Directly from Our Local Fishermen’s Boats
Joining our CSF means more than just enjoying fresh, locally-caught seafood.
It’s about participating in a purpose-driven model that supports conscious consumption and ensures fair pricing for our fishermen. By joining Cape Ann Fresh Catch, you are engaging in a direct and simple supply chain, thus maximizing value to the fishermen and yourself.
Paying a fair price to fishermen helps support local economies and increases the quality of life for all whose hands touch our fish. Paying a fair price is also based on a conservation ethic where fishermen are able to attain higher value for lower volume of catch, which places less pressure on the fish stocks.
A Fair Pricing Model:
Our model ensures that fishermen receive a higher value for a lower volume, promoting responsible fishing practices and contributing to a healthy marine ecosystem for future generations.
Local Economic Support:
By supporting your community-based Gloucester fishermen, you’re investing in a reliable market that fosters fair pricing and keeps your money local, strengthening our community.
Traceability & Transparency:
Foster a direct relationship with your local fishing community. Learn about the origin of your seafood – where, when, and by whom it was caught – enhancing your connection to the food on your table.
Sustainability:
Our commitment to reducing carbon footprints, enjoying higher quality seafood, and promoting sustainable fishing practices is unwavering. Together, we can ensure the longevity and vitality of our marine ecosystems.
Owners Melissa Marshall, Donna Marshall, and Nancy Crate
Our Journey and Vision
Passionate about the belief that a thriving local fishing industry is essential for the community and the environment, Donna Marshall purchased the Cape Ann Fresh Catch CSF in 2015. In 2020, her daughter Melissa Marshall launched Twin Light Smokehouse as a means of making CAFC a zero waste business. In 2022 new partner Nancy Crate joined as an investor and organizational development professional to help scale the business.
Cape Ann Fresh Catch is proud to be a certified Women Owned Business. Our roots run deep in Gloucester, with our founders being direct descendants of generations of fishermen who have shaped this industry. By integrating Twin Light Smokehouse into our fold, we’ve embraced the philosophy of utilizing the whole fish, offering a range of smoked seafood products that embody our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community support.
Sustaining a just economy for the local fisherman.
Honoring the connection between seafood and the lives it supports globally.
Join Our Community
By becoming a member of Cape Ann Fresh Catch, you’re not just buying seafood; you’re making a statement. You’re choosing freshness, quality, sustainability, and supporting a model that values people, community, and the environment.
Ready to taste the difference? Join us today and be part of a movement that’s redefining seafood consumption for the better.
Not enough people know that Cape Ann Fresh Catch solves a huge problem in our food supply.
Exhibit A: A recent NYT’s article called “Why Is It So Hard To Find Local Fish?” This article is likely behind a paywall, so let me distill the entire article for you into a few short points.
Your food choice is a political act.
In the content creation world, 99% of the content consumed on-line is created by 1% of the users. So, if you are wondering why we are taking the time to write a blog post, there’s your answer.