Getting to know...

Soulfish Seafoods; a local seafood supplier who prides themselves on being sustainable. This Sunshine Coast business is run by Dan Learoyd, his son and new partner J.P. Here’s how Dan started Soulfish and how the fishermen continue to meet standards set out by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Can you tell us a little bit about your small business and how/ why you started?

I started up Soulfish to supply the Sunshine Coast with some of Queensland’s fabulous seafood, that we were catching for ourselves and that was being exported overseas and around Australia. I was first given the opportunity to join local farmers markets on the coast. I believed it would be a good way to advertise our brand and products through the market and in doing so have gained recognition for our superior quality seafood. Since then we have opened our shop in Coolum, as there was a demand. Customers wanted the same ocean fresh seafood throughout the week (not just at the weekend markets).  

Is your small business organic/ sustainable or what makes you stand out in your industry?

Our business does have a range of sustainable and organic products, we have prawn meat, scallops and squid that have not been dipped in any preservatives. Our industry is very well regulated and we can call Soulfish sustainable as we are governed by licensing and quota requirements. We have a Total Allocated Catch (TAC) for the industry to maintain good stock levels. We are also endorsed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as reef guardian fishers due to the fact that we abide by all rules and regulations. We report and have input into the management of the GBRMPA.

What does sustainability mean to your company? and how is it implemented in everyday practices?

We use sustainable fishing practices in our industry, using the one hook and one line method of fishing. This guarantees the least amount of adverse impact for the reef. We also have ‘trips’ on our anchors so that the anchors pull away from the reef without damaging any coral. We also abide by the TAC set by the government as to not overfish the biomass.

What is your favourite product that you have created/ sell?

Our 400g Prawn meat is a huge seller. We process and cryovac the meat straight away so it doesn’t go black, as we don’t use any preservatives to prevent this. You can purchase our fish already portioned and deboned for easy use. I believe we have a highly regarded product as a result of our care and attention from the moment we catch a fish to the time its on your plate.

I thoroughly believe in sustainability and have put a lot of work and effort into maintaining our credibility.

VanillaFood is proud to work with Soulfish Seafoods and praise them on their sustainability efforts. A local favourite on the VF menu is the blue corn tacos with line caught fish (available on the current Noosa Heads menu). You can catch the guys at their shop in Coolum, Kawana Farmers Market on Saturdays and Noosa Farmers Market on Sundays. Have a look online for opening hours.