ABOUT US
We work directly with small-scale fishermen in the US, Mexico and Caribbean to turn hated, invasive fish into delectably healthy treats that are beyond sustainable, all while improving livelihoods in fishing communities where we work. We currently work with the "devil fish" or armored catfish, lionfish and silver carp.
We're based in Berkeley, CA with operations in Kentucky as well as in Mexico, Belize and Panama.
WHY
INVASIVE FISH?
Our founder Mike previously worked as a fisheries researcher in the US and Mexico where he learned all about invasive fish and their harmful effects on the environment. The term "invasive" is used to describe species that for one reason or another are found in places outside of their normal range. With fish species, this is usually due to the aquarium trade, government programs or ocean freight. Because these fish don't have any natural predators in these new environments, they at times outcompete native species for resources or even turn them into prey!
Mike came across the devil fish or armored catfish in 2014 while working in Tabasco, Mexico. The fish first arrived in Mexico about 20 years ago from its native South America. It now accounts for up to 70% of the freshwater capture in many places, outcompeting native species and in turn decimating the freshwater fishing industry on which tens of thousands of families depend. Determined to turn this problem into an opportunity, Mike began working with fishermen to sell this fish to local restaurants and then eventually began turning them into pet treats.
While we launched with just our flagship devil fish strips in 2021, we now offer treats made from the invasive lionfish and silver carp and will continue to add other invasive species in the future!
PEZZY’S IMPACT
Having a positive environmental and social impact is in our DNA. For us everything starts with better wages. Our employees earn on average 40% more than in other similar positions across the region and fishermen can double or even triple their daily income through selling us their devil fish, silver carp and lionfish by-catch. We've created dozens of new jobs throughout Latin America and the Midwest US turning these invasive fish into nutritious, eco-friendly pet snacks.
And to boot, we've removed over 100 tons of invasive fish to date, in turn helping restore native fisheries!
