Local Catch Summit 2019

Recap by Jordyn Kastlunger

As I walked into the Redd on Salmon St. in Portland Oregon for the third Local Catch Summit, I expected nothing less than a room packed with individuals all ready to share their stories. I was right, on day 1 of the summit, I walked through the doors and was greeted by familiar faces, and introduced to those I did not recognize. The room was full of like-minded people, from all aspects of the fishing industry, from all parts of the United States. I spent the weekend surrounded with fellow fishermen, processors, chefs, etc. from places like Alaska, Maine, and Louisiana, and we all had one goal; to help each other. I sat on a panel day two to talk about how fishermen can connect to restaurants and what makes that relationship so unique for both the chefs, and those who are bringing in the catch.

I spent the weekend surrounded with fellow fishermen, processors, chefs, etc. from places like Alaska, Maine, and Louisiana, and we all had one goal; to help each other.

As always, I enjoyed being able to share my story with other people and to listen to theirs. Many of us are faced with similar challenges and we get to strategize together and try to overcome them in the same way. We were all attending the summit to gain more information while simultaneously sharing the knowledge that we have.

At the end of the weekend, I walked away with so much learned knowledge and I am already looking forward to the next summit!