Our customers know that what is on their plates can have a direct impact on serious environmental issues. They know that the methods of how food is grown and harvested can have a larger impact on our food systems and we must make responsible decisions for animals, planets and our community.
We couldn’t agree more and that is why Cow-op is passionate about supporting cooperative aligned organizations that walk-the-walk when it comes to sustainable seafood options. Responsibly harvested salmon, lingcod, black rockfish, oysters, mussels and prawns are some of the best options here in the pacific northwest. Here at Cow-op, we build relationships with local fishing communities and professional fishers that are dedicated to stewarding the health of Vancouver Island’s coastal waters and the animal lives that rely on those bodies.
Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery is run by lifelong fisherman, Guy Johnson. Guy has been fishing the coastal waters of Vancouver Island for over 40 years. A lot has changed over the decades including an ever increasing carbon footprint of global seafood business. Guy notes that there are some imbalances in Canada’s seafood sector; 70-80% of the seafood we eat in Canada is imported (some is Canadian fish processed in Asia then shipped back). This is not due to lack of fish. Canada is the 5th largest seafood producer in the world. At the same time, the bulk of BCs seafood (85%) gets exported, both of which consume a lot of fossil fuels, time and other resources.
This is where the model of a Community Supported Fishery (CSF) provides some solutions. CSF operates under a unique system that allows for direct, fair trade between fishers and consumers. Single hook and line troll allows for sustainable seasonal harvest with minimal bycatch as can occur with large commercial vessels with enormous trawl nets that damage ecosystems and kill marine life. Models like Cow-op allow any unsold CSF shares to be sold at fair market price, rather than a fraction that would be received from big chain grocery stores.
Authentic Indigenous Seafood works under a cooperative model with a network of partnered First Nations fisheries across British Columbia. These cooperatives are committed to sustainable sourcing and ethical harvesting practices. Each package of Authentic Indigenous Seafood has unique tracking information via a QR Code. This offers transparency in the supply chain, supports fair trade to the fishers, and agency to the Indigenous owned fisheries. Fostering successful fisheries in BC means food security for all.
Choosing sustainable seafood from ethical sources is the only viable way to enjoy seafood responsibly while protecting the health of our rivers and oceans. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and unsustainable harvesting methods threaten marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. By sourcing seafood from responsible fishers and sustainable fisheries, you help support practices that prioritize ecosystem health, fair wages, and long-term viability. Look for seafood that is locally harvested, traceable, and caught using low-impact methods like single-hook and line or trap fishing, which minimize bycatch and protect marine biodiversity. Knowing your sources matters. When you choose sustainable options, you’re not just making a better choice for the environment—you’re also supporting local fishers, Indigenous fisheries, and cooperative models that ensure fair trade and food security for future generations.
Shop Cow-op.ca today and know that you are supporting truly sustainable products and the communities that rely on it.