The Food Co-op

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Local Producer: Katfish Salmon Co.

At the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Katfish Salmon Co. is making waves in the seafood industry with its mission to provide high-quality, traceable seafood directly from the fisherman to the consumer. Founded by Kat Murphy, a dedicated fisherwoman and owner/operator of the F/V Grace, the company is redefining the way we think about sustainable and locally-sourced seafood.

Katfish Salmon Co.'s mission is simple yet profound: to connect Pacific Northwest communities with premium seafood while addressing food justice barriers within the region. By offering a direct link between fishermen and consumers, the company ensures transparency, sustainability, and quality in every catch.

What sets Katfish Salmon Co. apart is Kat Murphy's dedication to sustainable fishing. Using a traditional hook and line method, Kat catches fish one at a time during her summer months in Southeast Alaska. This approach not only preserves the delicate marine ecosystem but also guarantees top-notch quality. In the off-season, Kat sources fish from small boat fishermen across the Pacific Northwest to meet the demand for her seafood.

In 2018, Kat turned her passion for sustainable fishing into a full-fledged business by starting Katfish Salmon Co. Her commitment extends beyond her love for the sea, as she works diligently to address food justice within her community. Through the Fish Club Captain program and collaborations with local SNAP Coordinators, Kat strives to provide high-quality protein sources to local food banks, ensuring that no one goes without nourishing, traceable seafood.

In an inspiring effort to tackle food justice issues, Katfish Salmon Co. runs a Mutual Aid Fish Shares Program. By allocating funds collected, they provide fish shares at wholesale pricing to organizations like the Jefferson County Anti-Racist Fund's Farm Share Program, Port Townsend Food Bank, Tri-Area Food Bank, Quilcene Food Bank, and Brinnon Food Bank.

By dividing the funds equally and consulting with these organizations, Katfish Salmon Co. ensures that the types of shares offered align with the community's needs. Choices include VP frozen coho salmon portions, canned coho salmon, and smoked canned keta salmon. This initiative not only promotes access to high-quality seafood but also fosters a sense of community and support among Pacific Northwest residents.

To contribute to the Mutal Aid Fish Shares Program go here: https://givebutter.com/mutualaidfishshares

Katfish Salmon Co. provides delicious seafood with a side of positive social impact. Through Kat Murphy's dedication, the company is on a mission to make quality seafood accessible and to create a community united by their love for the ocean and the desire for a more equitable food system.

Photos from Kat’s Instagram page, follow her @katfishsalmonco