• About us
What is Black Sea Catch?

Black Sea fish delicacies from sustainable catch

At "Chernomorski Ulov" we produce seafood delicacies inspired by the idea of (re)discovering the richness and taste of Black Sea cuisine and thus making Black Sea fish a favorite part of our diet. But our ambitions do not stop there: we actively work to enforce responsible, sustainable fishing and the full traceability of the path of fish from the Black Sea to our table.

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 overdeveloped coastlines. It's fundamentally different when we change our perspective and explore it in depth. For example, from the deck of a fishing boat deep at sea, from where the shore is barely visible. Then we discover a new Black Sea world, full of silence, tranquility, crystal clear waters, and unexpected riches.

To make this world more accessible to more people, in 2019, two enthusiasts – Georgi Gavazov and Dimitar Dimitrov – founded a unique company for clean food from our Black Sea – "Chernomorski Ulov" (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 best global practices for sustainable fishing and production to ensure that the food you put on your table comes in the purest possible form from nature and is healthy, without artificial additives, and with a superb 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 vessels does not begin and end only with 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 firsthand the captains of the vessels we work with and have built trust that they comply with the rules - from fishing zones and periods, through gentle gear, to transportation and processing of the fish already on the vessel.”

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 mission at the heart of "Chernomorski Ulov" is to place Black Sea fish in its deserved central place in the Bulgarian diet.

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 prepared according to an old Sozopol recipe – lakerda. First-class extra virgin olive oil, salt, Black Sea bonito – and nothing else!

Several author's variations followed, including smoking, a little spice, and a lot of inspiration. A few developments and fine-tuning later, and the first series of products appeared on the market throughout the country, not just along the Black Sea coast.

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".

Innovative packaging for canned series will also bring other favorite Black Sea fish, such as red mullet and horse mackerel. The metal cans have a transparent, easy-to-open lid. The "Black Sea Treasures" series contains bluefish, red mullet and horse mackerel, and the series of three flavors of canned bonito 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 what's inside the can – the delicately blanched and marinated Black Sea fish are among the best in terms of taste and beneficial properties from the entire fish family.

With these products, the company is fighting to leave behind the outdated notion that canned food equals second-rate quality. 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.

0% fee

"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 good for people. That's why it created its "1% for Our Sea" initiative, which supports projects and causes aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and preserving and improving the well-being of the ecosystems in our sea. In 2022, these efforts were sufficient to establish its own foundation, "For Our Sea," founded and funded by "Chernomorski Ulov."

The most valuable catch

The care 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. This is how the "Most Valuable Catch" project began, and the most valuable partner in it is the largest association for commercial fishing 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, there is still no way to recycle this waste in Bulgaria, so the project is expanding, choosing to show the result to everyone, but through the power of imagination and art.

"Black Sea Catch" organized an exhibition from the process of collecting marine waste – "The Most Valuable Catch" in the Sofia gallery Credo Bonum, where it also announced a challenge – Hack-A-Plastic. The winner, Vladimir Kostov, proposed the idea of building a sculpture park near the fishing port in Varna's Asparuhovo neighborhood.

Zhenya Kaleva was the first artist to undertake the transformation of waste into a sculpture – she called it "Jaws/Past". Thanks to the partners from the Varna contemporary art festival "BUNA", you can see it next to ReBonkers – the contemporary art venue in Varna (4 Baruten Pogreb St.).

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 responsible attitudes towards the sea and the development of fisheries our priority. Sustainable interaction with nature cannot lead to huge profits, but we feel this is the right path,” conclude the creators of “Black Sea Catch.”