It’s been a joy to be able to source locally-caught fish at Seacoast farmers’ markets, thus we are sad to learn of the closing of Eastman’s Fish come the end of summer. We wish them well—we will miss them as well as their sparkling wares fresh from the sea, and hope the future includes continuing the special relationship they’ve created with their customers here.
IT’S OFFICIAL: Eastman’s Fish will be closing it’s doors permanently Labor Day weekend.
Four years ago Eddie and I had this idea of opening a fish market to directly sell the catch off our boat. We did as much research as we could and went for it. We created a fun beach market filled with local goods and started heading into farmer’s markets—relying on farmers to show us how it’s done. We started our Eastman’s Local Catch CSF with 50 members that soon grew to over 400. We also started working with dedicated food service directors in bringing local fish to schools—our mission: sell direct, provide education about the commercial fishing industry, and help local fishermen.
Four years later, the idea not only became a reality, but some of the most incredible work we have ever done. I can not begin to thank all of the people that made it possible. The biggest impact has been the response of the local community. Eddie never thought anyone would care about local fish, but the first time he came to a farmer’s market, was one of the first times in a long time that he felt appreciated for the work he was doing. Each year that we arrived back for another season it felt like a major accomplishment wading through the sea of permits and licenses to sell seafood.
The decision to close is bittersweet. The good part of this decision is that our business has grown beyond what we can do ourselves—it really does take a village. We hoping that we have something in the works that will keep fresh fish coming your way. We will miss all of you terribly and like I have said before, we are so thankful to have met such wonderful people.
Eddie will continue to be in the fishing industry, transitioning to lobstering and other fishing. I will be going back to the world of education.
But before we go we would like to offer an opportunity to bring people together for a fun evening and for a good cause.
We are having a Farewell Cruise August 10th, from 7–10, aboard the Lady Merrilee Anne III at Eastman’s Docks, Seabrook. ALL ARE INVITED—tickets are $30.00—all the proceeds will go to Granite State FISH, a non-profit created to help commercial fishermen. There will be music, passed hors’deurves, and fireworks.
Tickets will be available at the farmer’s markets as well as our fish market in Seabrook.
Again, thank you so much for your support!
Carolyn and Eddie
For more information: www.eastmansfish.com