An Introduction to Sustainability
In an era where the choices we make today directly impact tomorrow, sustainability has never been more crucial. This is especially true in the world of fishing, where the delicate balance of marine ecosystems must be maintained to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of the sea. Alaskan fishing, renowned for its pristine waters and rich marine life, stands as a testament to what sustainable practices can achieve. But why does sustainability matter so much, particularly when it comes to Alaskan fishing? Let’s dive in.
The Current State of Alaskan Fisheries
Alaska’s fisheries are among the most well-managed and sustainable in the world. This is no accident. Stringent regulations and rigorous management practices ensure that fishing in Alaska is not only productive but also sustainable. The state’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its constitution, which mandates that fish “be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle.” This means that the amount of fish harvested is carefully monitored and controlled to prevent overfishing and ensure that fish populations remain healthy and abundant.
Local communities play a vital role in this process. Many of these communities rely on fishing as a primary source of income and food. They understand the importance of protecting the environment and preserving fish populations, not just for today, but for future generations. By following sustainable practices, they ensure that their way of life can continue for years to come. Net to Table Seafoods founders, Luke and Eliza Owens lived year round in rural Bristol Bay Alaska villages for seven years and so they understand how vital salmon is to the economy and way of life in rural Alaska.
Founders Luke and Eliza Owens (pictured above) understand subsistence lifestyle in rural Alaska
Why Sustainability is Crucial for Alaskan Salmon
Salmon is the lifeblood of Alaskan fisheries. It is a keystone species, meaning that it plays a critical role in the ecosystem. The health of salmon populations is directly tied to the health of the entire marine environment. Unfortunately, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction have put many salmon populations at risk.
Sustainable fishing practices are essential to protect these populations. By carefully managing the number of salmon that are caught, and ensuring that fishing practices do not harm the environment, we can help to preserve this vital species. Sustainable fishing also helps to maintain the quality of the salmon that we enjoy. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, which is harvested sustainably, is not only better for the environment but also richer in nutrients and flavor.
Net to Table’s Commitment to Sustainability
At Net To Table Seafoods, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the environment and preserve fish populations for future generations. Our business was founded on the principles of community, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to quality, which you can taste in every bite of our delicious, wild-caught seafood. This commitment is reflected in our sourcing practices. We work exclusively with fisheries that follow sustainable practices, ensuring that the seafood we provide is both delicious and responsibly sourced.
- Ourselves or our trusted fishing partners (such as Eddie Perez and Kiril Basargin pictured below) catches the Alaskan Seafood
Luke, Eliza and crew personally catch your wild Alaskan sockeye and king salmon
Captain Eddie catching your pink salmon
Captain Kiril catching your rockfish
- Ourselves or our trusted processing partners filet and flash freeze your catch
Eliza Owens fileting and portioning your fish at sea
- We fly our fish from Alaska to Seattle, reefer truck them to Michigan and mail them directly to you!
Our fish in the reefer Our fish at your doorstep!
Our approach to sustainability goes beyond just fishing practices. We are also committed to reducing our environmental impact in other ways, such as using eco-friendly packaging and minimizing waste. For example, we prioritize recyclable materials and work to reduce waste in our operations. We are also exploring innovative ways to further minimize our carbon footprint, such as optimizing transportation routes and supporting renewable energy initiatives. By choosing Net To Table Seafoods, you are not only getting high-quality seafood but also supporting a company that is dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity. In the world of Alaskan fishing, sustainable practices are essential to protect the environment, preserve fish populations, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of the sea. At Net To Table Seafoods, we are proud to be part of the solution. We invite you to join us in supporting sustainable fishing practices by choosing seafood that is responsibly sourced. Together, we can make a difference.
