Meet Caroline Spalt | Co-Founder of Atlantic Crab and Seafood

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Spalt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
When people are enjoying a delicious seafood dinner, they’re not usually thinking about the behind-the-scenes stuff, like how their seafood got to their plate. But here’s the catch – consumers are often kept in the dark about the basic information of the seafood they’re eating. A statistic that has stuck with me since starting Atlantic Crab and Seafood is that 95% of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported from foreign countries, leaving people clueless about the story behind their seafood. What’s even worse is that a lot of people out there are unknowingly eating illegally caught or mislabeled seafood, falling victim to the old bait-and-switch. Details about the species, where it’s from, how fresh it really is, and the journey it took to reach your plate often get overlooked, or it’s not being shared confidently. I know that not all seafood is traced from the boat (or farm) to your plate, but it should be — and it can be.

To truly understand the journey of seafood to your table, consumers should have access to basic information about what they’re eating – not just for the taste but also to ensure it’s high quality and sustainable. Being an educated consumer is so important, especially when it comes to seafood. You’d be surprised how many people buy seafood without really knowing much about it. That lack of information creates this gap between consumers and the products they’re buying. People need the basics – the species, origin, and the journey their seafood took before landing on their plate. The more people know, the better choices they can make, and that’s what we need for a more sustainable and transparent seafood industry.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Atlantic Crab and Seafood started with a simple yet powerful idea – everyone, no matter where they are, should have access to top-quality seafood with a traceable journey back to its source. I’m a Cape Cod native, and growing up in a community where locally sourced food was a way of life fueled my love for knowing the origins of my food. Being part of a second-generation commercial fishing family, I got to witness the challenges faced by fishermen through my father and brothers. Seeing how hard they work in commercial fishing and noticing that people didn’t really know where their seafood came from, I felt a responsibility to do something about it. This firsthand experience fuels our commitment to bridging the gap between you and your seafood.

What sets us apart is our approach. All of our seafood, including Dayboat Scallops, Maine Lobster, and Jonah Crab Claws, comes directly from my family’s commercial fishing boat, the F/V Miss Emma, in New Bedford, Massachusetts. No middlemen – just a direct line from the source to your plate. We’re all about sharing the entire story behind your seafood – where it came from, who caught it, and how it got to your table. Seafood isn’t just something you eat; it’s a story and a connection to the hardworking individuals ensuring it ends up on your plate. Our emphasis on American wild-caught seafood from well-regulated U.S. waters supports local fishermen and ensures sustainability. In a world where 95% of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported, we take pride in offering a more transparent and traceable alternative.

What really excites me is delivering high quality seafood while connecting people to the origins of their food. We’re trying to break down the idea that seafood is some fancy, intimidating thing and instead inspire people to get curious and experiment in the kitchen. I want to be a guide, showing that seafood can be accessible and fun. What I want the world to know about Atlantic Crab and Seafood is that we’re more than a business – we’re on a mission to transform the way people perceive seafood.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were in town for a week, I’d want to make sure she experiences the best of Jupiter. No doubt, we’d start our mornings at Perk Coffee in Tequesta – the go-to spot. After that, it’s time to hit up a couple of my favorite local spots, like Blowing Rock and Coral Cove. Lunch is a must at Tequesta Table, this adorable sandwich shop that’s all about supporting local vendors for their ingredients. Depending on the waves, we might catch a surf session. And if the ocean isn’t cooperating, Catos bridge is where you’ll find us snorkeling, or we might just decide to spend the day on the boat. Dinner would definitely be at Food Shack, the place for the freshest and most unique seafood dishes. What I love most is their daily-changing menu, always using the best local ingredients. And you absolutely cannot skip the local farmers markets; they’re a whole different level of awesome. With so many in the area, we’ll be exploring all the goodies from the local vendors. Oh, and big shoutout to my company – you can snag our seafood at Hobe Sound Farmers Market, Swanks Specialty Produce, Abacoa Green Market, and Stuart Market on Main! So, that’s the plan – a week packed with sunshine, beach, and incredible food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a huge shoutout to my friends and family who have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. Their support and guidance have been my backbone. A special thanks to my family whose connection to commercial fishing has influenced my business and instilled in me a deep appreciation for preserving maritime traditions. And, of course, a big thanks to Gardner Dickinson – my business partner and life partner – for his unwavering support and collaboration.

Website: https://atlanticcrabandseafood.com

Instagram: @atlanticcrabandseafood

Facebook: @atlanticcrabandseafood