What is Black Sea Catch?
Black Sea fish delicacies from sustainable catch
Why Black Sea Catch?
We think we know "our" sea - but is that really the case?
The Black Sea is much more than crowded beaches and an overdeveloped coastline. And it is radically different when we change our perspective and get to know it in depth. For example, from the deck of a fishing boat out to sea, from where the coast is barely visible. Then we discover a new Black Sea world, filled with silence, tranquility, crystal clear waters and unsuspected riches.
To make this world closer to more people, in 2019 two enthusiasts – Georgi Gavazov and Dimitar Dimitrov , founded a one-of-a-kind company for clean food from our Black Sea – “Black Sea Catch”.
Nearly 5 years later, with the experience gained from working with some of the best fishermen, chefs, culinary experts and environmentalists, the message of "Chernomorski Ulov" is even stronger: the Black Sea is a well-hidden wealth, whose treasures it is time to put on the table, with respect and a responsible attitude towards the resources of the sea.
Because if it's good for the sea, it's good for us too - this is the common thread that runs through everything that "Chernomorski Ulov" does from its inception to this day.
“In its development, the company is guided by the world's best practices for sustainable fishing and production to ensure that the food you put on your table comes from nature in its purest form and is healthy, free of artificial additives and with excellent taste.”
About fishermen in the Black Sea and sustainable practices
In the cans and jars of "Chernomorski Ulov" you will always find only top-quality Black Sea fish, procured whenever possible directly from fishing vessels and with a clear focus on sustainable fishing and full traceability of the raw material, from the moment and method of catch.
“Working with the captains of these ships does not begin and end with just buying fish. Black Sea fishermen are not pirates or poachers, they are partners who - just like us - care about the sea. We are together in the long process for the common great cause - to support the development of sustainable and gentle fishing in the Black Sea. We know the captains of the ships we work with firsthand and have built trust that they follow the rules - from fishing zones and periods, through gentle gear, to transporting and processing the fish on board the ship.”
Because there is nothing better than local food, masterfully prepared in a way that combines old Black Sea recipes with modern culinary trends. Respect for traditions, knowledge of the Black Sea,
together with the pursuit of healthy eating and lifestyle are at the heart of the idea that gave life to "Chernomorski Ulov".
Why do we do it?
The story begins with a bonito, freshly marinated in pure olive oil and a pinch of salt.
"Chernomorski Ulov" wants to bring out the best from the fish in its native Black Sea and therefore, step by step, recipe after recipe, it creates products without analogues on the market.
It all starts with the unique taste of bonito according to an old Sozopol recipe – the lacquerda. Premium extra virgin olive oil, salt, Black Sea bonito – and nothing else!
This is how we arrive at the successful formula that is the basis of every product of "Chernomorski Ulov" - only top-quality Black Sea fish, to which we add a small number of carefully selected natural additives, such as olive oil, herbs, sea salt, capers or olives.
The goal has been achieved – maximally pure products that have preserved the health benefits of Black Sea fish, without
no artificial preservatives or enhancers. After the success of the series of jars with bonito, the series of marinated black cod follows, which follows the same steps to preserve maximum flavor with minimal intervention. This is the synthesis of the author's approach in the artisanal recipes of the new Bulgarian seafood cuisine, offered by "Chernomorski Ulov".
With the innovative packaging for the canned series, it is time for other favorite Black Sea fish, such as mullet and horse mackerel. The metal cans have a transparent lid, easy to open. The “Black Sea Treasures” series contains black mullet, mullet and horse mackerel, while the three-flavor canned bonito series offers
the better alternative to canned tuna – because of its local origin and guaranteed taste.
On the back of the packaging of all products from the “Black Sea Treasures” series, there is something else very important – a QR code that will introduce you to the exact place of catch, the ship and the captain who caught the fish on your plate!
The most important thing, of course, is inside the can – the delicately blanched and marinated Black Sea fish are among the best in taste and beneficial properties of the entire fish family.
With these products, the company is striving to leave behind the outdated view that canned food equals second-rate food. Thus, in addition to fresh products and excellent taste, “Chernomorski”
"Olov" also fulfills its promise to let you know exactly what you are eating and where the fish on your table came from.
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"Chernomorski Ulov" wants to bring out the best from the fish in its native Black Sea and therefore, step by step, recipe after recipe, it creates products without analogues on the market.
“For Our Sea” Foundation
“Chernomorski Ulov” firmly believes that what is good for the sea is also good for people. That is why it created its initiative “1% for our sea”, with which it supports projects and causes aimed at imposing sustainable fishing practices and preserving and improving the
the well-being of the ecosystems in our sea. In 2022, they become enough to create their own foundation “For Our Sea” – founded and financed by “Black Sea Catch”.
The most valuable catch
Caring for the Black Sea is the cause of “Chernomorski Ulov”, but without like-minded people it is doomed. In 2020, the company decided to start a massive cleanup of the Black Sea from lost or discarded nets and other waste. Thus began the project “The Most Valuable Catch”, and the most valuable partner in it is the largest commercial fishing association in Bulgaria – “Chernomorski Izgrev”.
The result is impressive – in 2 years, together they remove over 7.5 tons of waste from the Northern Black Sea Coast
Unfortunately, in Bulgaria there is still no way to recycle this waste, so the project is expanding, choosing to show the result to everyone, but through the power of imagination and art.
“Black Sea Catch” is organizing an exhibition of the process of collecting marine waste – “The Most Valuable Catch” in the capital’s Credo Bonum gallery, where it is also announcing a challenge – Hack-A-Plastic. The winner of it – Vladimir Kostov, proposes the idea of building a sculpture park near the fishing port in the Varna “Asparuhovo” district.
Zhenya Kaleva was the first artist to turn waste into sculpture – she called it “Past”. Thanks to the partners of the Varna Contemporary Art Festival “BUNA”, you can see it next to ReBonkers – the contemporary art venue in Varna (4 Baruten Pobreg Str.).
No, the ambition of "Chernomorski Ulov" does not stop there - the goal is to cover the waters of the Southern Black Sea Coast as well.
Expect soon the new products of "Chernomorski Ulov" with the same guaranteed excellent taste, masterful approach to old recipes, new and familiar Black Sea heroes and new like-minded people in the causes for the good of the native Black Sea.
"It is important to develop the Black Sea region - to make a responsible attitude towards the sea and the development of fishing our priority. There is no way that sustainable interaction with nature will lead to a grandiose profit, but we feel that this is the right path," conclude the creators of "Black Sea Catch".
