Our Mission is Simple:
To sustain a just economy for local fishermen
We are a purpose based organization with a direct to consumer model that supports conscious consumption in local seafood sourcing. As part of that, this fair pricing model supports a conservation ethic where fishermen are able to attain a higher value for lower volume.
Our Story Over the Years
2008
Cape Ann Fresh Catch is Founded
Cape Ann Fresh Catch CSF is founded by the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (GFWA) of which owner Donna Marshall is a member (pictured below far right)
Jim Hooper, Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives, 2013, digital inkjet print. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, MA. Gift of the artist, 2014 (2014.018.18)
2015
PURCHASED CAFC
2020
PURCHASED LOCAL SEAFOOD SMOKEHOUSE
Donna and her daughter Melissa Marshall purchase a local seafood smokehouse and rebrand it as Twin Light Smokehouse
2020
melissa moves back from China
While the COVID bubble expands, so do the sign ups for the CSF. Membership triples over this period and the fishermen and scallopers who so heavily rely on restaurant business get a much needed boost from the growing membership.
Eli Misuraca, Nick Donohue and Jalen Flores join the TLS and CAFC team as Route Driver, Customer Service and Sales and Seafood Processing, respectively.
2021
Certified Women Owned Business
Twin Light Smokehouse is discovered by a Whole Foods forager and wins regional account as a local brand in 41 stores in New England.
The Smokehouse expands from a 800 sqf facility to a 3200 sqf facility.
2022
Nancy Crate Joins CAFC
Nancy Crate joins Cape Ann Fresh Catch as an investor and part-owner to help scale the business, focusing on organizational development.
2023
John Lewis Joins CAFC
John Lewis joins Cape Ann Fresh Catch to elevate and grow the Cape Ann Fresh Catch and Twin Light Smokehouse brands.
2024
Launch New Brand Strategy
Austin Davis joins TLS and CAFC focusing on production, customer service and sales/marketing support.
Twin Light Smokehouse
A national seafood brand that cares about a healthy food system and the community of fisherman we work and live with.
Established in 2020, our smokehouse was born out of a zero waste ethos; unsold fresh haddock from our CSF was cold smoked and sold as “Finnan Haddie”, an old New England favorite. Today, in addition to our haddock, we hot smoke salmon and cold smoke mussels. Any unused smoked seafood becomes spreads or special items. Our products contain no additives, only clean ingredients, real salt and no soy. We responsibly source Chilean mussels and Norwegian salmon from certified sustainable fisheries.
Our Team
Cape Ann Fresh Catch is a true Gloucester family business; many of us were born and raised here and still call this island home. We come from generations of fishing families, attended Cape Ann schools, work out at the Cape Ann YMCA, gather for drinks at George’s, spend summers fishing off the pier, and cheer on the Celtics with our season tickets. When we say “local”, it’s not just a word—it’s who we are.
Community Outreach
Cape Ann Fresh Catch is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our neighborhoods through active community outreach efforts. Recognizing that access to fresh, local seafood should not be determined by income, class, cultural background, race, or ethnicity, CAFC works to ensure that anyone in our community can enjoy the benefits of our local catch.
Press
We’re honored to be featured in various publications that highlight our commitment to sustainable fishing and community support. Discover more about Cape Ann Fresh Catch and our impact by exploring the articles below. Each piece shares insights into our mission, our partners, and the fresh, locally-caught seafood we bring to your table. Stay informed and inspired by reading our latest press features!
Gloucester Daily Times
October 25, 2023
Join Our Community
By becoming a member of Cape Ann Fresh Catch, you’re not just buying seafood; you’re making a statement. You’re choosing freshness, quality, sustainability, and supporting a model that values people, community, and the environment.
Ready to taste the difference? Join us today and be part of a movement that’s redefining seafood consumption for the better.