In early June I had the privilege of visiting Sitka, Alaska for the first time. I traveled with Isthmus to meet Sitka Salmon Shares and to film the premiere episode of a new web series, Food For Thought, which explores sustainable food systems.
All photos were taken by Paulius Musteikis.
Food For Thought is an Isthmus web series highlighting sustainable food projects and producers. For the series debut, host David Rodriguez, Chef Dan Fox and I traveled to Sitka to learn directly from Sitka Salmon Shares about their community-supported fishery model and how it delivers responsibly sourced seafood to members across the United States.
How Sitka Salmon Shares Works
Sitka Salmon Shares operates as a Community Supported Fishery (CSF). Members buy shares of the harvest before the season begins, supporting small-scale fishermen and receiving high-quality seafood in return. The CSF model builds accountability between fishermen and consumers, increasing transparency around sourcing, processing and distribution.
During our visit we toured the processing plant and followed the path of the fish from the boats to packaging and shipping. The Sitka team emphasized careful handling, traceability, and a commitment to fair pay for fishermen. Their ownership program shares profits with fishermen, often resulting in meaningful increases in income for small-boat operators.
Sustainability, Traceability and Fair Pay
Sitka Salmon Shares prioritizes transparency because much of the U.S. seafood system can be opaque and mislabeling is a known problem. By educating members about harvesting methods and bringing fishermen closer to consumers, Sitka fosters trust and helps members understand the realities of small-boat fishing. This approach creates a more ethical and resilient seafood supply chain.
Sitka’s model ties the company’s success to the wellbeing of its fishermen. Their ownership initiative and direct-to-consumer distribution result in higher returns for harvesters and better quality seafood for members. For consumers seeking responsibly sourced fish, this model is a clear alternative to conventional supply chains.
Personal Experience and Recommendations
I’ve been a Sitka Salmon Shares member for nearly two years and can vouch for the difference in quality. If sustainable seafood isn’t readily available where you live, consider joining a CSF like Sitka Salmon Shares to receive reliably sourced fish shipped to you across the country.
This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sitka offers quiet, dramatic scenery and a strong connection to place and food. During our stay we hiked, observed wildlife, fished and even cooked on a mountaintop. Each moment underscored the importance of responsible harvest and the stories behind the seafood we eat.
I’m extremely grateful to Isthmus and Sitka Salmon Shares for inviting me to be part of Food For Thought. Special thanks to the many people who made the trip possible, especially the fishermen and the Sitka team who shared their time, knowledge and passion for sustainable seafood.
Credits
Photography by Paulius Musteikis. I want to thank Kori Feener, Drew Hartberg, Craig Bartlett, Lindsey Bushart, Marsh Skeele, Nic Mink, Taylor Mickelson, John Clarke, Dan Fox and David Rodriguez for an unforgettable trip and a meaningful exploration of sustainable seafood.
