A new smartphone application can help “bridge the gap” between Rhode Island fishermen and consumers who want to buy directly from the source, according to the University of Rhode Island and several partners.
The FishLine app came into use locally this summer after the state changed regulations to allow Rhode Island fishermen to sell their catches directly to consumers at the docks. The state made the changes to help fishermen weather the coronavirus pandemic, which depressed sales and prices.
KINGSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – A new smartphone app launched in Rhode Island looks is connecting consumers with area fisherman selling local, fresh caught seafood.
The Fishline app was developed in California and has now been adapted for use in Rhode Island, according to a statement from the University of Rhode Island.
Now a new smartphone application is available to bridge the gap between the fishermen and potential customers, thanks to a partnership between the University of Rhode Island Fisheries Center, Rhode Island Sea Grant, Eating with the Ecosystem, the Commercial Fisheries Research Center, and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative.
WESTERLY — Hit hard by restaurant closures due to the coronavirus, Rhode Island fishermen welcomed a 120-day pilot program announced in May by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management that allows them to sell directly to consumers.
Now, there’s a free app called “FishLine" that shows which fishermen are selling which types of fish and where to find them. The app is a collaboration between the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative, the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, Eating with the Ecosystem and Rhode Island Sea Grant.
With the help of Conrad Johnson of Warwick, the Leonards set up a Facebook page to let customers know when they’ll be selling. They also notify people via an app, Fishline. Getting the word out is important. The windows for sale are tight since fishermen are allowed only to sell fish caught the same day. They must also sell the fish whole, or with just the heads cut off. The DEM worked closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health in developing the license and the rules are in place to make sure consumers are buying fresh fish, according to McNamee.
This is the fourth episode of Coastal Routes' weekly coverage of how COVID19 is impacting fisheries around North America. In this episode, we talk to Joe Falcone with FishLine among others.
After a month-long delay in the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season, it’s time to get cracking.
Here’s an alphabetical roundup of Bay Area seafood purveyors and grocers that are selling local crab now — or will be very soon. Others are promising plenty in time for your holiday feasts.
Just make sure to call to check on availability before you start melting the butter.
On this episode, Peter and Tyler talk with Joe Falcone, Founder and CEO of Phondini Partners, a firm that specializes in mobile application design, development and consulting for coastal communities. Joe and his team have developed a number of interesting mobile apps. The FishLine App connects consumers directly with fisherman at the wharf where seafood can be hand selected out of the hold, and the public can meet and interact with the men and women who harvest our food.
Half Moon Bay, California - August 25, 2016. FishLine, the #1 mobile application for Fresh, Local Seafood, has created the first mobile directory of Community Supported Fisheries, Fish Markets, and other Direct-to-Consumer suppliers who take orders & subscriptions and even deliver fresh local seafood straight to your door. All fishermen, markets, community supported fisheries and restaurants can participate in the new FishLine Directory for FREE!
"We've taken our popular CrabLine Directory and merged it with the CSF listings of LocalCatch.org to create a mega-directory of local seafood sources," said Joe Falcone, CEO & Founder of Phondini Partners LLC, the creators of FishLine. "The FishLine Directory continues the FishLine tradition as the best source of information on how to find the freshest local seafood anytime, anywhere."
The FishLine mobile app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices, and the FishLineApp.com website is available for Windows and Mac users.
"The new FishLine Directory gives seafood lovers nationwide a great way to find sustainably-caught seafood from nearby markets or for home delivery," said Dan Blick, FishLine Community Manager. "If you want to buy fish direct from the fishermen - and you don't live next to a harbor - this is as close as it gets!"
Tuesday was a big day for dads in San Mateo County — at least at the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Dave Pine congratulated Jeremy Davis as the county’s “Dad of the Year.” He and his son, Cash, have overcome significant obstacles en route to the honor.
Then the San Mateo County Human Services Agency’s Dads Working Group was set to introduce SMC DADS parenting app. It is the third such mobile app designed by Coastside-based Phondini Partners for county agencies. It has been under development since March, according to Phondini founder Joe Falcone.
The app is designed to help dads in San Mateo County with features like a playground locator, job postings from the Job Information Centers, handbooks for dads and resources to county social services. There will also be parenting advice for dads and an event calendar of free or low-cost community events.
The website is http://www.smcdads.org and the app is available on Apple iTunes for iPhone and iPad and Google Play for Android devices.
— from staff reports
FishLine in the San Mateo Daily Journal
FishLine app informs consumers looking to buy the freshest catch May 03, 2016, 05:00 AM Daily Journal staff report
As the drought has caused irregularities to the annual commercial crab and salmon seasons, the creators of FishLine are urging those who want to buy the freshest catch to download the informational app.
Fishermen at Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay frequently sell crab and salmon directly off their boats after returning from a voyage out to sea. But with the drought having led wildlife officials to shorten this year’s salmon season and a toxin keeping fresh California crab off the table until a just few weeks ago, many might not know when or from whom they can buy.
The FishLine app helps connect hungry customers with local fishermen by showing in real time who’s selling what, where and when, according to Joe Falcone, founder of Phondini Partners LLC, the creators of FishLine.
“The commercial salmon season has been shortened due to the after-effects of the drought so the catch may be sporadic at times,” Falcone said in a press release. “FishLine offers enthusiasts the best way to find out when salmon is available at a local port fresh off the boat.”
With varied blackout dates and fewer fishing days this season, there are limited opportunities for the public to buy. FishLine informs consumers who want an option other than the grocery store so they don’t miss out on a chance to buy directly off the boat, according to Falcone.
The app uses crowd-sourced information and allows local fishermen to post when they have catches to share. Commercial fishermen from various harbors across the northern California coast post what type they have, the name of their boat and the price. Tips on cleaning fish, recipes and even tales from local fishermen are a few of the other FishLine features.
The free app is available for Apple products and Android devices as well as online at FishLineApp.com. Information about who’s selling at Pillar Point is also available by calling the harbor master at (650) 726-8724
Half Moon Bay, California - April 2, 2016. Dungeness Crab returned to the San Francisco Bay area and FishLine, the #1 mobile application & website for Fresh, Local Seafood, connects fishermen, markets and restaurants to patient crab enthusiasts as sales finally kickoff for 2016.
"It has been a long wait but the boats finally came in, the price is set, and we're enjoying local Dungeness Crab for the first time in over a year," said Joe Falcone, CEO & Founder of Phondini Partners LLC, the creators of FishLine. "Fishermen, markets and restaurants everywhere can use the marketing power of FishLine to attract thousands of seafood enthusiasts."
"Four years ago, FishLine made the first connections between fishermen and seafood buyers using a mobile app," said Dan Blick, FishLine Community Manager. "Thousands and thousands of Dungeness Crabs later, we're back helping our local fishermen again. It's a great feeling down at the harbor!"
