Many smaller fishing operations have been pushed out of the fishery over the past 15-20 years. The consolidation of markets and the influx of farmed fish have kept prices low, in some cases back to where they were 20 years ago. Add to this the effects of climate change on fish habitat and high seas, feeding grounds, and the spread of farmed fish diseases, and we are seeing wide spread hardship in the small-boat fleet. Yet it is the smaller, long-term, independent fishermen who care most about ocean stewardship and maintaining a healthy and sustainable fishery.
A community-supported fishery is one way for me, as an independent fisherman, to remain viable, feed my family and reduce the carbon footprint of my catch. I can sell direct at a fair market price.