Check out this winter-only pilot (plus, scallop recipe!)
You can now buy Vineyard seafood directly from local fishermen as part of a new community supported local seafood pilot program started by the non-profit MV Seafood Collaborative.
The pilot started January 2022 during the big fish market closure and works similarly to the farm CSAs many of us have supported for years now. Residents can pick up a combination of Edgartown bay scallops, Sengekontacket wild oysters, and Vineyard littlenecks.
“It’s a total treat in the middle of winter to get some nice fresh seafood from some local people,” said Chilmark resident Jessica Roddy. “I ordered online; there was a guy there with a mask at pick-up. It was nice to be in Menemsha.”
Roddy got 25 oysters and a pound of scallops. “We usually make oyster po boys with remoulade. Everyone loves them. You shake it in a paper bag with cornmeal, some cayenne pepper, and flour. Served with lettuce on brioche and life is good. ”
The idea for the Community Supported Seafood (CSS) came in January when every single fish market on the island was closed, said Shelley Edmundson, a marine biologist and executive director of the Menemsha-based Collaborative. “That was sort of the big reason we started. Fishermen and the community were all asking why all the markets were closed.” She said they put their heads together and by Jan 27 started the pilot. “We want to make it just a winter thing when it’s needed most. The biggest goal is that the fishermen who are currently fishing have a market to sell their catch. It’s extra money to get them through the winter.”
From here, they will take it week by week, to see what’s needed, said Edmundson. The shellfish are generally harvested the day before and sold at market prices so as not to undercut the fish markets, a few of which re-opened in February.
The Collaborative launched in 2021 with a mission of safeguarding the Island’s fishing heritage by supporting small-boat, owner-operated fishing fleets and their sustainably harvested catch. From Menemsha, they primarily sell wholesale local fish to restaurants and offer services to fishermen. With public grants, they’ve been involved in several other projects. In 2021 during the pandemic, they purchased black sea bass and scup from local fishermen, processed it into fish stew and chowder (for 140,000 meals), then distributed to Island food pantries and the Greater Boston Food Bank. They’ve also donated fish to Island Grown Initiative’s food pantry and Slough Farm for additional meals for food programs year-round.
Residents can sign up by the week online at vineyardseafood.org/buy-css, or by calling 508-685-5599. Follow them on Instagram @vineyardseafood for weekly information. Pickup is in Menemsha. Bring a cooler or insulated bag.
Cost? How does it work. Dates?