LAST TOW FISH STEW | Community and Sharing

At Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, we believe in the simple, honest flavors of the sea. We love to pay homage to the fishermen who came before us—hardworking men and women who lived by the tides, the seasons, and the strength of their community. One of the most beloved traditions was the making of Last Tow Stew. After a long day at sea, when the crew hauled in their final tow or net of the day, whatever the ocean offered was brought on deck and turned into a nourishing meal. Fish, shellfish, or any bycatch—paired with a simple pot of stock, hearty potatoes, and whatever spices or vegetables were available on board—became a feast that warmed the body and lifted the spirit. No matter how tough the day, the crew never went hungry.

This tradition reflects the values that guide Chatham Harvesters today:

• Respect for the Ocean: Just as our ancestors used every part of their catch and cooked with gratitude, we honor the ocean by fishing sustainably, ensuring it can provide for generations to come.

• Community and Sharing: A pot of Last Tow Stew was never for one person—it was shared among the crew, a reminder that fishing is a collective effort. We carry that spirit into our cooperative, where fishermen, families, and community members come together around the bounty of the sea.

• Heritage and Innovation: While rooted in tradition, we also bring forward new ways of connecting people to seafood. Just as fishermen once improvised with what they had at sea, we innovate in how we harvest, prepare, and share the catch today.

• Resilience and Care: Fishing is hard work, and Last Tow Stew symbolized resilience—the ability to take whatever the ocean provided and make it into something sustaining. It also reflected care for one another, ensuring every crew member ended the day with a full stomach and a sense of belonging.

  
  

For me, Last Tow Stew isn’t just a recipe—it’s a story, a symbol of our way of life, and a reminder that the sea has always brought people together. By honoring these traditions, we remain true to who we are: fishermen, stewards, storytellers, and members of a vibrant coastal community.

LAST TOW STEW

RECIPE

Ingredients:

3 T olive oil

1 onion

4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

2 tomatoes diced

1/4 cup wine

4 cups of fish stock

2 teaspoons fish sauce

Small pinch of saffron

1/8 teaspoon ground clove

1/4 smoked paprika

1/4 salt pepper

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon of fresh thyme

1/2 lb red potatotoes

1-1/1/2 any fish in the freezer ( We used skate wings and cheeks, monkfish & halibut)

Directions:

In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant—just like how we honor the natural aromas of fresh ingredients. Next, add in the tomatoes, letting them soften and meld into the base. Pour in a splash of white wine, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, evaporating while leaving behind its subtle depth.

Now, add your fish stock, a dash of fish sauce, and spices that warm the soul, blending the essence of the ocean with each stir. Toss in the potatoes, cover, and let them cook gently on low heat until they're tender enough to break with a fork.

Finally, it's time for the fish, caught from our local waters and in your freezer. Lay it gently into the broth, giving a delicate stir as it simmers over medium heat for 3-4 minutes—just long enough for the flavors to infuse. Turn off the heat, taste the broth, and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed.

Serve with warm bread, and as you enjoy each spoonful, remember that this stew carries the same spirit we bring to the sea each day—hard work, sustainability, community, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

About the Blogger- Shareen Davis:

 Shareen Davis is the Marketing and Sales Manager for Chatham Harvesters Cooperative. A true seafood enthusiast with deep, generational roots in Chatham’s fishing community, she blends her love of local flavors with her passion for sharing the stories behind the catch.