The Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative (RISMC), public-private body that aims to support local fishermen and seafood farmers, has launched FishLine, a mobile app and redesigned website that aim to bring awareness to Rhode Island’s local seafood market.
“From calamari to oysters to various species of finfish, Rhode Island seafood is already known around the world; what we’re trying to do is jolt interest in and demand for our seafood right here in Rhode Island,” said Terry Gray, director of the state’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
“Through the new FishLine app and website,” DEM wants to help connect local consumers and especially younger consumers to local seafood because local is fresh and fresh is delicious,” he said.
RISMC, established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2011, is a division of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
The new FishLine app was developed in partnership with the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, and lets consumers search for fresh seafood to buy from seafood markets, farmers’ markets, and restaurants, as well as directly off the boat from fishermen.
“Access to fresh Rhode Island seafood is now, literally, at the fingertips of all Rhode Islanders,” said Robert Ballou, chair of RISMC. “Increasing consumer awareness of and demand for Rhode Island seafood products in Rhode Island increases in-state sales, spurs growth of the local seafood economy, and supports a stronger, more resilient local food system that is less dependent on less reliable out-of-state sources. Shorter supply chains, or food miles, also have smaller carbon footprints, thereby helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
According to a press release, the new FishLine app and SeafoodRI.com website list more than 40 restaurants, seafood markets, grocers, and direct sellers that offer local seafood, profiles about local species and harvesters, and tips for how to cook it. Additionally, direct sellers and other seafood retailers can use the app to post real-time updates on landings and sales opportunities. DEM said this will help consumers geo-locate the opportunities to purchase RI seafood closest to where they are located.
“Making it easier for people to find and buy Rhode Island seafood is good for everyone,” said Gov. Dan McKee. “It supports the thousands of hard-working men and women of one of the Ocean State’s oldest industries, celebrates the restaurants and seafood dealers and food businesses that have made Rhode Island such a ‘foodie’ destination, and ensures a steady supply of fresh, healthy, locally caught seafood, which is a cornerstone of our state food security strategy.”
