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Welcome to our blog!
Posted 10/13/2010 9:03am by Dave Adler.
Hello %%user-name%%!

We hope you enjoyed the joys and challenges of  fresh, whole fish from the Bay of Fundy.  Please feel free to share your recipes and experiences at our facebook fan page or on your twitters and blogs!

Thanks to all of you who responded with feedback and enthusiasm about an attending an informal session about history and context of the Bay of Fundy'siinshore bottom hook and line fishery.  We are currently working out a time and location that can work for as many of you as possible- please stay tuned, and we'll have more details in the next week or so.

This is just a quick note to remind you that your second share delivery will be arriving on  Thursday, October 14th.  Fishing member Beau Gillis is currently on the water, catching your share on his fine little 38 foot vessel, the  C-Lover, pictured below.


See below some details about the pickup, including a reminder about what to bring, when and where to show up:

What to bring:  
 
- If applicable:
Your signed contract and a cheque for the full amount owed, made out to Off the Hook Cooperative Limited.
-A cooler or freezer bag.

When and where to show up:

A.  Halifax area subscribers:  between 4 - 5:45 pm. 

-Capital Health's Victoria General Site, in the terrace area. 
Free parking is provided by Capital Health for ten minutes (take a ticket on the way in). Longer parking is available by paid meter on nearby streets- which may be handy if you plan to attend a filleting demonstration.  Directions: http://www.offthehookcsf.ca/map/directions/77

-Shares that are not picked up by 6 pm will be donated to Hope Cottage for use in free hot meals.

B. Wolfville area subscribers: between 7:30- 7:50 pm.

-Noggin's Corner Farm Market.
Directions: http://www.nogginsfarm.ca/map.php 

-Shares that are not picked up by 9:15 pm will be donated to needy seniors in Freeport, NS.

C. Annapolis Royal area subscribers:, 9-9:15 pm.

-Across the road from Lequille Country Store. Directions: http://lequillecountrystore.com/?page_id=8

-Shares that are not picked up by 9:15 pm will be donated to needy seniors in Freeport, NS.

BEST FISHES, 

Sadie Beaton

Community Supported Fishery Coordinator
sadie@offthehookCSF.ca/ 442 0999

Posted 10/5/2010 12:10pm by Dave Adler.
Hello fine subscribers!

First of all, thanks once more for your support of Off the Hook CSF! It was great to see the mix of old and new faces at the Halifax pickup, and a great feeling knowing that our fresh, sustainable fish was being distributed more broadly throughout the valley as well!

We hope everyone had a great time with their first shares of the fall delivery season. We look forward to hearing about your recipes, your challenges and your thoughts at the next pickup, on our facebook page, or by email.

This email is being sent to remind you that- as laid out in the contract- there will be no fish delivery this Thursday, October 7th. Fishing member Beau Gillis has heard the word that there are forecasted to be particulary unruly tides within the Bay of Fundy this week and cannot risk losing more of his fishing gear - or worse, risk his skin.

Weather permitting, we will resume our normal schedule of deliveries next Thursday, October 14th.

Many of you have expressed interest in learning more about some issues in our local  inshore groundfish fishery. Questions like why do the bottom hook and line fishermen have such a small quota as compared to their more industrial dragger cousins? What role does cod bycatch play in the fishery? Why is it illegal for Beau to fillet my fish share for me? I'd like to gauge interest among you in a short informal session where we present a background picture of the fishery and answer some of your burning questions. If you might be interested in attending a session somewhere in downtown Halifax, could you please let me know how likely you might be to attend a> a lunch-and-learn during the noon hour or b> an evening session, say 7-8:30.

Thanks once more and as always,

Best fishes,

Sadie
Posted 9/29/2010 12:03pm by Dave Adler.
Hello Off the Hook Subscribers! 

Thanks once again to each of you for signing up with Off the Hook Community Supported Fishery for our fall delivery season!  Sign ups are now closed and we are excited that you are part of  fall cadre of subscribers. We will be starting a waiting list for the next season in the next few weeks, but you founding subscribers will have first dibs.

Your first delivery has been caught in the Bay of Fundy by fishing member Beau Gillis, and  will be ready for you to pick up tomorrow.  See below some details about the first pickup, including a final reminder on what to bring, when and where to show up, and more. Please be extra patient for this first pickup- we'll be working with over 80 of you to ensure this goes as smoothly as possible.

What to bring:  
 
-Your signed contract.
-If applicable: A cheque for the full amount owed, made out to Off the Hook Cooperative Limited.
-A cooler or freezer bag.

When and where to show up
:

A.  Halifax area subscribers:

 -Thursday, September 30th,  between 4 - 6 pm. 

-Capital Health's Victoria General Site, in the terrace area. 
Free parking is provided by Capital Health for ten minutes (take a ticket on the way in). Longer parking is available by paid meter on nearby streets- which may be handy if you plan to attend a filleting demonstration.  Directions: http://www.offthehookcsf.ca/map/directions/77

-Shares that are not picked up by 6 pm will be donated to Hope Cottage for use in free hot meals.

B. Wolfville area subscribers:

 -Thursday, September 30th, between 7:30- 7:50 pm.

-Noggin's Corner Farm Market.
Directions: http://www.nogginsfarm.ca/map.php 

-Shares that are not picked up by 9:15 pm will be donated to needy seniors in Freeport, NS.

C. Annapolis Royal area subscribers:

-Thursday, September 30th, 9-9:15 pm.

-Across the road from Lequille Country Store. Directions: http://lequillecountrystore.com/?page_id=8

-Shares that are not picked up by 9:15 pm will be donated to needy seniors in Freeport, NS.

What to expect:

A. Halifax area subscribers:

-There will be a "sign in table" when you first arrive. Please bring your signed contract and any outstanding payments here.  Contracts can be downloaded from the front page of offthehookCSF.ca

-Next, you can head to the fish weighing station, where you will receive your share. Please bring a cooler or freezer bag to keep your fish as fresh as possible.

-Thirdly, you can catch a filleting demonstration. Beau Gillis will be catching your fish this week - and be on hand to demonstrate filleting at the demo table.  There will demos at 4:15, 4:45, 5:15 and 5:45 pm. He'll also be happy to answer any questions you might have.

B.+ C. Other subscribers: 

-You'll see the Off the Hook CSF banner attached to fishing member and delivery driver extraordinare Tony Thurber's big black truck. He's got your fish share's pre-wrapped and chilled for you and he can also take any outstanding  money and contracts onsite. 

-Please be punctual as Tony will have had a very long day and will be eager to catch the right ferry to get him home before too late.

In close:


We're really excited to connect you with our fresh, sustainably caught groundfish from the Bay of Fundy and to work with you to help bolster small-scale independent fisheries and coastal communities in Nova Scotia.
 

Please let me know if you have any questions and concerns leading up to the first pickup by contacting info@offthehookCSF.ca



BEST FISHES, 

Sadie Beaton

Community Supported Fishery Coordinator
sadie@offthehookCSF.ca/ 442 0999 


 

Posted 9/27/2010 12:11pm by Dave Adler.
Hi folks!

Hope Cottage is looking for a few volunteers to help dish out their sitdown lunchtime meal featuring Off the Hook CSF fish fillets this October 6th. This is a great opportunity to see what happens to Off the Hook CSF's donated or missed fish shares and learn a little more about food security issues in Halifax and area.

If I weren't going to be away at a conference for Ocean NGOs in Ottawa, I would love to be there myself! Please send me an email and let me know if you will be interested and available to help out from 12-1 on October 6th.

Thanks in advance!

Sadie 
Posted 9/27/2010 8:32am by Dave Adler.
Hello Off the Hook Mailing List members!

Thanks so much for your interest in Off the Hook Community Supported Fishery!  We’re really excited to connect our co-operative of small-scale bottom hook and line fishermen from the Bay of Fundy to sustainable fish lovers in and around Halifax!

I'm writing today to let you know that TODAY(September 27th) IS THE LAST DAY to sign up!! We need to have our numbers finalized by 5 pm so that fishing member Beau Gillis will know how much fish to catch for the next four weeks of deliveries. Now is the time to get in on a share so that our fishermen can be guaranteed a fair price for their catch. Be a part of making a change to our food systems, supporting sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods while enjoying the freshest fish this side of the water line!



Thanks so much to all of you who have already completed their sign up! We look forward to seeing you at the pickup spot this Thursday, September 30th!

Find out more details and sign up on our website NOW:  
www.offthehookCSF.ca/members

And don’t hesitate to contact me (Sadie Beaton) with any follow-up questions about getting involved: 442-0999 or sadie@offthehookCSF.ca
Posted 9/21/2010 8:30am by Dave Adler.


(Halifax, NS)-   Following on the success of their first delivery season, Atlantic Canada’s first Community Supported Fishery (CSF)  is celebrating the launch of their fall season with complementary fish tacos. Off the Hook CSF is inviting local seafood lovers to meet the fishermen and sample their fresh, sustainable catch outside the Capital Health QEII VG site between 12 and 2 pm.

Starting on September 30th, Off the Hook CSF will be delivering a weekly catch of fresh, sustainably caught haddock, hake and pollock to subscribing customers in and around Halifax, Wolfville and Annapolis Royal. Off the Hook’s subscribers enjoy renewed connections with local fishing communities and our oceans, and have the chance to get to know the fishermen who catch their supper. “The small scale fishermen who make up Off the Hook Co-op are proud of their fresh, high quality catch,” describes CSF Coordinator Sadie Beaton. “These families believe in sustainable fishing practices and are working hard for the future of their communities.”

By securing payment at the start of the season, Off the Hook’s fishermen are ensured a fair price for their catch, while customers get a reliable source of local, sustainable fish.  Originally developed in coastal Maine, CSFs are modeled on community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which help increase access to fresh, healthy food. “I’ve read Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma and see the same thing happening to fishing as has already happened to farming. And I want to be a part of stopping it.” remarks Beau Gillis, who will provide fresh fish to Off the Hook subscribers through the fall months.

A limited number of shares are available for the upcoming fall season, with the first delivery slated for September 30th. More information and sign-up forms are available at  http://offthehookCSF.ca

WHAT: Off the Hook Community Supported Fishery (CSF) Fall Season launch
WHEN: Thursday, September 23rd, 12-2pm

WHO: All are welcome to come by to try Off the Hook CSF’s delicious fresh, sustainable fish, meet the fishermen, and learn about the fall season.

WHERE: Capital Health QEII Victoria General Terrace area, downtown Halifax.

-30-


All participants will be available for interviews following the event. For additional information or to schedule an interview contact:

Sadie Beaton- Community Supported Fishery Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre, Halifax, NS, (902) 442-0999 / (902) 221-1953 sadie@ecologyaction.ca

Orlie Dixon- Fisherman and Founding Board Member, Off the Hook Cooperative Limited, Freeport, NS. (902) 839-2728.

Beau Gillis- Fisherman and Founding Board Member, Off the Hook Cooperative Limited, Freeport, NS. (902) 839-2003.

 


Posted 9/14/2010 10:13am by Sadie Beaton.

This week's Off the Hook CSF fish share delivery is set to arrive in Halifax on the afternoon of Thursday, September 16th.  Fishing member Beau Gillis is out on the water fishing as hard (and as safe) as he can so that we can offer each of you doubled shares for this final week! Surprise!

As a way of thanks for all of your kindness and
patience- and your bravery as a pioneering subscriber- we'll also be offering a refresher course on filleting, and some table space for you to fillet your fish onsite. Please bring your filleting knife if you have one. We'll even have a vaccuum sealer and accompanying bags on hand so you can get your extra fish ready for freezing if you wish!

If you would like to wear your love for community supported fisheries on your sleeve, we'll have a limited selection of organic Off the Hook CSF tshirts available for sale at the pickup too, $20 apiece, first come first serve.

Those of you interested in participating in our short but sweet fall season can get details and get signed up as well! You'll be privvy to our subscriber appreciation discount, which means that for just $115/ $225, you'll get four weeks of fish, three useful and educational workshops,  and a continuation of that warm and fuzzy feeling you get in your heart from connecting with and supporting small-scale fishing families and sustainable fisheries in Nova Scotia.



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See below some by-now-familiar details about the pickup, including a reminder about what to bring, when and where to show up: 

When to show up
: Thursday, September 16th, between 4 - 6 pm

Where to show up:
 Capital Health's
Victoria General Site, in the terrace area. Free parking is provided by Capital Health for ten minutes (take a ticket on the way in). Longer parking is available by paid meter on nearby streets.

Please bring a cooler or freezer bag to keep your fish as fresh as possible.
Bring your filleting knife and gloves as well if you have them.

Shares that are not picked up by 6 pm will be donated to Hope Cottage for use in free hot meals.

BEST FISHES, 

Sadie Beaton


Community Supported Fishery Coordinator
sadie@offthehookCSF.ca/ 442 0999
Posted 9/9/2010 5:19am by Sadie Beaton.



Apologies for the late notice, but we've just heard news from a really disappointed Beau Gillis who has lost a bunch of his bottom longline gear to some wild tides and heavy winds out at Brown's Bank. Consequently,unfortunately, there will be no fish this week (September 9th).

In his words:

"Just had the very worst of fishing days. I lost over $1000 worth of longline, no fish.  The tides are very full, and it was windy... I will spend tomorrow towing an anchor around trying to hook my gear...And I feel the worst because I can't provide for Off The Hook."

Off the Hook Co-operative will be meeting as a group this Friday afternoon to finalize details for the fall season as well as to think about ways to make up this lost share to our lovely and patient subscribers. Please stay tuned and hopefully we'll see you at next week's pickup.

Best, 

Sadie

Posted 9/8/2010 10:25am by Sadie Beaton.


This week's Off the Hook CSF fish share delivery will be arriving this afternoon, Thursday, September 9th. Fishing member Beau Gillis has taken another turn at the helm to get your shares this week from the rich waters of Brown's Bank.


Can you believe that this delivery will be your second-last share of Off the Hook's first season? We can't believe how time has flown! Thanks so much for your kind and patient support as we continue to navigate the relatively uncharted waters of running a Community Supported Fishery.

We are currently working out some final wrinkles before announcing the details of our shorter fall season, likely slated to begin on September 30th. Current subscribers like you will get first priority to participate - please let us know if you'd like to be put on the "VIP" waiting list!

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See below some details about the pickup, including a reminder about what to bring, when and where to show up: 

When to show up
: Thursday, September 8nd, between 4 - 6 pm

Where to show up:
 Capital Health's
Victoria General Site, in the terrace area. Free parking is provided by Capital Health for ten minutes (take a ticket on the way in). Longer parking is available by paid meter on nearby streets.

Please bring a cooler or freezer bag to keep your fish as fresh as possible.


Shares that are not picked up by 6 pm will be donated to Hope Cottage for use in free hot meals.

BEST FISHES, 

Sadie Beaton


Community Supported Fishery Coordinator
sadie@offthehookCSF.ca/ 442 0999
Posted 9/2/2010 7:56am by Sadie Beaton.

I hope you are coping alright with this end of summer heat! I am just popping into your email to confirm that your Off the Hook CSF fish share delivery will be arriving this afternoon, Thursday, September 2nd. Fishing member Beau Gillis has travelled to Brown's Bank to get your share this week, squeaking in his catch before Hurricane Earl heads the same way.



See below some details about the pickup, including a reminder about what to bring, when and where to show up: 

When to show up
: Thursday, September 2nd, between 4 - 6 pm

Where to show up:
 Capital Health's Victoria General Site, in the terrace area. Free parking is provided by Capital Health for ten minutes (take a ticket on the way in). Longer parking is available by paid meter on nearby streets.

Directions: http://www.offthehookcsf.ca/map/directions/77
 

Please bring a cooler or freezer bag to keep your fish as fresh as possible. Today is predicted to be the hottest day of 2010 so you may want to bring extra ice pack.


Shares that are not picked up by 6 pm will be donated to Hope Cottage for use in free hot meals.

BEST FISHES, 

Sadie Beaton


Community Supported Fishery Coordinator
sadie@offthehookCSF.ca/ 442 0999