Skipper Otto Community Supported Fishery

Skipper Otto is a Community Supported Fishery (CSF) based in British Columbia, Canada, founded in 2008 with the mission of reconnecting fishing families directly to consumers. They offer a unique seafood subscription program where members pre-purchase a share of the catch before the fishing season begins, guaranteeing fishing families a living wage and ensuring members receive high-quality, sustainable seafood. Their transparent model also includes detailed information about the catch, including the fisherman who caught it, the location, and the date and method of harvest.

Skipper Otto has grown significantly since its inception, supporting over 40 fishing families and over 8,000 members across Canada. Their commitment to sustainability and social justice extends beyond their direct operations, as they are a proud Ocean Wise Partner, a certified Living Wage Employer, and a certified BCorp™. They also offer a mentorship program to help other CSF operators scale their businesses and build thriving, resilient local food systems.

Skipper Otto values family and flexibility, and this is reflected in their employment practices. They offer flexible work arrangements, including the ability to adjust work hours to accommodate family needs, such as school pick-ups, sick children, and other life events. They also offer generous sick pay to ensure employees are able to stay home when needed, without fear of losing income. This commitment to flexibility makes Skipper Otto an attractive employer for individuals who value a work-life balance.

Skipper Otto offers a range of employee benefits that prioritize a healthy work-life balance and support a sustainable, equitable lifestyle. The company provides living wages, generous sick pay, and flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs. This commitment to employee well-being reflects their values of social and environmental justice, ensuring that everyone involved in the Skipper Otto community thrives.

Skipper Otto Community Supported Fishery is dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable seafood system. They work to reconnect fishing families directly to consumers, ensuring fair prices for the fishers and a reliable source of high-quality seafood for members. The company's mission is to protect a small-scale harvesting way of life, rebuild resilient local food systems, and conserve and regenerate delicate marine ecosystems.

Skipper Otto fosters a culture of community, transparency, and sustainability. They emphasize building strong relationships with both fishing families and seafood-loving members, ensuring fair prices and ethical practices. This commitment to transparency extends to their labeling, which showcases the fisherman, the origin, and the method of catching, empowering consumers to make informed choices.

Skipper Otto Community Supported Fishery actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly through its commitment to partnering with Indigenous fishing families. This commitment is evident in their collaborations with Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nation fishers, providing fair prices and supporting their traditional practices. The company prioritizes building relationships with diverse fishing communities, offering opportunities for Indigenous women fishers like Melanie Fred-Cranmer, and advocating for policy changes that address systemic inequities within the fishing industry.