Every order begins with a conversation. When a customer places an order, usually via email, text or call after receiving our weekly sell sheet, we immediately begin coordination with our fishing partners on the Big Island.

We work with two primary supply streams:

-Independent handline fishermen who fish nearshore using traditional, low-impact methods.

-Longline vessels operating under strict NOAA and DLNR oversight, sourcing through the Honolulu Fish Auction — the only auction in the U.S. where every fish is inspected by NOAA graders for quality and safety.

Whether the fish comes from a small boat fishing koa in the early morning hours or a longliner returning from offshore seamounts, we guarantee it’s sourced responsibly and with respect for the ocean.

Our cold chain process begins before the fish even leave the island — and it doesn’t stop until it reaches your door. Every shipment is handled with precision to maintain optimal quality and ensure food safety compliance.

-Fish are packed at the source in insulated styrofoam coolers with gel ice and a data logging tag placed inside the box to monitor internal temperature from origin to destination.

-The cooler is held at <38°F in a walk-in cooler or refrigerated truck until delivered to the Hawaiian Airlines cargo facility.

-From there, it is shipped as refrigerated air cargo directly to the airport nearest the customer.

-Upon arrival, the cooler is held at <38°F until picked up by a refrigerated freight service — or in some cases, delivered directly to a freight forwarder for final-mile distribution.

-Customers receive the sealed box and inspect the fish. Temperature logs from our digital data logger are available to the customer (via app).

This process is designed to meet FSMA cold chain compliance, minimize risk, and preserve peak quality from dock to dish.

Every order from Bigeye Supply is traceable — not just for compliance, but because it’s the right thing to do.

-Each lot is tagged and recorded using NOAA species codes and batch data.

-QR codes on sell sheets or invoices can link to catch location, method, and handling details.

-Whether it came from the Big Island or the Honolulu Auction floor, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and where it came from.

This traceability builds confidence — for chefs, buyers, and end consumers alike.

Our fish aren’t just fresh — they’re responsibly caught and carefully monitored.

We proudly source from fishermen and vessels that:

-Operate under the supervision of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and participate in fish catch reporting programs.

-Follow the guidelines of the Hawaii Longline Association, which works in alignment with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure responsible harvest levels and bycatch mitigation.

-Use low-impact handline or circle hook longline methods to reduce waste and protect marine ecosystems.

We believe in generational fishing — not extractive fishing — and support those who care for the ocean like it’s their home. Because it is.

Once your order is packed and shipped, we coordinate the fastest route from Hawaii to your nearest regional airport.

-For Pacific Northwest customers, we handle direct refrigerated trucking from the airport to your facility.

-For customers outside the PNW, we work with trusted freight forwarding services to complete the final leg with the same attention to cold chain integrity.

-All shipments are tracked, and temperature logs accompany every order — giving you confidence in the product you receive.

No mystery. No gaps. Just pristine Hawaiian fish, delivered exactly how it should be.