What is Skipper Otto?
Skipper Otto is a Canadian initiative revolutionizing how seafood is sourced and enjoyed. Founded by Sonia and Shaun Strobel in 2008, it connects home cooks directly with small-scale, independent fishing families who are passionate about quality and sustainability. This isn’t your typical seafood supplier — it’s a Community Supported Fishery (CSF) that brings the freshest, wild-caught seafood straight from the Pacific Ocean and Northern lakes of Nunavut and Saskatchewan right to your table. The focus? Sustainably caught seafood, straight from the source, supporting local coastal and Indigenous communities.
Main Benefits of Skipper Otto
Skipper Otto offers a fresh approach to seafood with some impressive benefits:
- Enjoy seafood all year long, starting for as little as $100.
- Order exactly what you want, when you want — from wild salmon and halibut to spot prawns and albacore tuna.
- Pick up your catch at over 80 convenient locations across Canada or opt for home delivery in select areas.
- Access to a variety of seafood, including sushi-grade frozen fillets, cold-smoked lox, canned options, and fresh live shellfish.
- Support for small-scale, independent fishers who prioritize sustainability and fair pay.
Seafood Selection That Excites
Skipper Otto offers a mouthwatering range of seafood favorites and some lesser-known delicacies too. Their frozen-at-sea albacore tuna comes in sushi-grade loins, cold-smoked lox, or canned varieties. When it comes to salmon, they cover all five Pacific species — sockeye, chinook, coho, chum, and pink — available in everything from sushi-grade frozen fillets to candied nuggets. Shellfish lovers will find frozen pink and spiny scallops, pacific oysters, and fresh live mussels, beach oysters, and Dungeness crab. It’s a seafood lover’s dream, all sustainably caught and delivered fresh.
Community and Sustainability at the Core
Here’s the thing: in Canada, 90% of what’s caught is exported, while 80% of seafood eaten is imported. This imbalance stems from an industrial seafood system rooted in colonialism rather than sustainability. Skipper Otto challenges this status quo by building a resilient, local system that feeds Canadians with Canadian seafood sourced from coastal and Indigenous communities. It’s about more than just fish — it’s about justice, fairness, and protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Community Supported Fishery Model
A Community Supported Fishery (CSF) like Skipper Otto is all about connection. It brings together fishers and seafood lovers who share a passion for protecting the ocean’s bounty. This model ensures fishers get fair pay and access to local markets, while consumers enjoy the best quality seafood with transparency and sustainability at its heart. It’s a win-win that supports people and the planet, fostering a food system that’s equitable and environmentally responsible.
Skipper Otto’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger — by providing access to high-quality, nutritious seafood.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — supporting fair pay and livelihoods for small-scale fishers.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — promoting sustainable seafood sourcing.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water — protecting marine ecosystems through sustainable fishing practices.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — supporting Indigenous and coastal communities connected to the land and sea.
Why Skipper Otto Stands Out
Skipper Otto isn’t just about seafood — it’s about creating a movement. As Canada’s first Community Supported Fishery, it leads the charge for seafood system reform nationwide. The initiative champions social and environmental justice, ensuring that the seafood on your plate supports small-scale fishers and respects the ocean’s health. With a certified B Corporation™ status and a commitment to living wages, Skipper Otto embodies values that go beyond business — it’s about community, sustainability, and a better future for all.
