The Community Seafood Initiative (CSI) was launched in 2001 by the Oregon State University Seafood Laboratory in Astoria, OR and ShoreBank Enterprise Pacific, Ilwaco, WA to increases economic opportunities for locally-owned fishing and seafood businesses operating in Oregon and Washington coastal communities. By developing a new service delivery model that combines applied research, and training education and workshops with business, finance and community economic development resources, CSI the Initiative has helped several local seafood businesses to gain a competitive edge and improve their bottom line in today's fiercely competitive global seafood market.
CSI and its service delivery system is Headquartered at the Seafood Consumer Center, CSI demonstrates that partners working collaboratively provide more value than working independently. "The reason the partners have decided to house CSI Initiative at the 9,500-square-foot facility in Astoria, OR," states program director, Diane Moody, "is it is a place that provides an accessible place to brings seafood industry members, research activities and consumer education together."