Christine’s journey in the fishing industry didn’t begin with a deep-sea love affair—it began with curiosity… and disappointment in the Danish grocery store fish aisle.
At this week’s Community Breakfast, we got to hear how that initial spark of curiosity led to Blue Lobster—a digital marketplace connecting local fishermen to buyers and promoting low-impact fishing.
But over time, Christine witnessed a troubling reality: shrinking fish stocks, fewer and older fishermen, and supply chains that made little sense from a sustainability perspective.
The tipping point? Their last full-time fisherman left the sea… to fight literal fires. It was time to pivot.
Squidink: Fishing Without the Fish
Enter Squidink, Christine’s new venture. Unlike Blue Lobster, Squidink doesn’t sell fish. Instead, it solves a looming problem: EU regulations now require small-scale vessels to digitally report their catches. Most of these fishers—older and tech-averse—don’t even know it’s coming.
So Squidink is building a low-tech, easy-to-use reporting tool. Think taking a picture of a form instead of entering data manually. Partnering with Denmark’s largest fisheries association and Sweden’s fish auctions, they aim to make compliance seamless. The goal? Not just saving fishermen time but also collecting crucial data for sustainability—like heat maps of unwanted bycatch, helping fishers avoid sensitive areas.
Hooked on Hockey
Christine’s not all work and no play. When she’s not revolutionizing fisheries, she’s underwater—playing hockey. Yes, underwater hockey is real, and Christine’s not just dabbling. She’s out there scoring (at least once per session, she proudly admits) and sporting a few bruises to prove it.
What’s Next?
Squidink is still in early stages, backed by a six-month innovation grant. Christine’s keeping her options open, mixing her time between journalism and teaching. But if you’ve got startup ideas or just want to try underwater hockey, she’s all ears.