April 7, 2020 — With their normal markets shrinking amid the coronavirus outbreak, SouthCoast fishermen are coming up with creative ways to sell their catch directly to consumers.
Troy Durr created the Facebook group “SouthCoast Direct Source Seafood” on March 28, with the goal of connecting local boat captains with local residents who are willing to buy seafood directly from the source, according to a post on the page.
“A lot of the fish houses are not buying from the boats, which left them in a situation to stop working or figure out their own way to sell,” Durr said.
The new way to sell is directly off their boats.
Daniel McKiernan, acting director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, said they have expedited seafood dealer permitting by waving the $65 fee.