Free Fish Heads – FAQs
Free Fish Heads | FAQs | Contact us | Terms & Conditions
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For Fishers (Providers)
Q: What is Free Fish Heads?
A: Free Fish Heads is a free app that connects fishers who have surplus fish heads and frames with individuals and communities who value them. By sharing these often-overlooked parts of the fish, you help reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Q: How does it work?
A: When you have fish heads or frames to share, you can quickly offer them through the app. Simply post an offer with details and a photo. Potential recipients in your local community will receive a notification and can accept your offer if they’re interested. Once accepted, both you and the recipient will receive each other’s contact details to arrange collection.
Q: Do people really eat fish heads?
A: Absolutely! Fish heads are considered a delicacy by many, known for their sweet flesh and rich flavour. They hold significant cultural importance, especially among Māori and Pasifika communities. Fish heads can be prepared in various ways, such as soups, stocks, oven bakes, and smoked dishes.
Q: What can I share?
A: You can share any form of kaimoana (seafood), including fish heads, frames, pin bones, and other ocean bounty like kina (sea urchin).
Q: Is there a charge?
A: No. Free Fish Heads is completely free to use for everyone, thanks to our sponsors.
Q: Can I accept money in exchange for my fish heads?
A: No. Selling any non-commercially caught fish parts is illegal in Aotearoa New Zealand. All exchanges on the app must be free.
Q: What if I’m not very good at filleting?
A: That’s okay! Even if your filleting skills aren’t perfect, many people appreciate receiving fish heads and frames regardless. Just handle your catch properly to keep it fresh, and be transparent about the condition when you post your offer.
Q: How will I know if my offer has been accepted?
A: You’ll receive a notification through the app when someone accepts your offer. The app will provide you with the recipient’s contact details so you can arrange collection.
Q: What happens if people don’t show up to collect the fish?
A: To reduce the chances of this happening, make your offer appealing by keeping your fish in pristine condition and including a clear photo. Also, post your offer as soon as possible to give recipients time to plan. If someone doesn’t show up, you can offer it to someone else or repost the offer and then you can flag the person as someone who didn’t show up.
Q: What if I don’t want people coming to my house?
A: You can arrange to meet at a public location that is convenient for both parties, such as a local park, boat ramp, or shopping centre car park.
Q: Can I share my fish heads with Kai Ika instead?
A: Absolutely, you can choose to donate your fish heads and frames to organisations like Kai Ika. The app allows you to connect with both individuals and community groups who will appreciate your contribution.
Q: How do I post an offer?
A: After downloading and signing into the app, go to the “Post Offer” section. Provide details about the fish parts you’re offering, include a photo, and submit your offer.
Q: Is there a limit to how often I can post offers?
A: No, feel free to post offers whenever you have surplus fish heads or frames to share.
Q: Can I switch between offering fish heads and requesting them?
A: Yes, you can change your user type in your profile settings. However, you can only be either a provider (fisher) or a recipient (seafood lover) at any given time. This helps keep the app straightforward and prevents confusion among users.
For Seafood Lovers (Cooks)
Q: What is Free Fish Heads?
A: Free Fish Heads is an app that connects seafood lovers with local fishers who have surplus fish heads and frames to share. It’s your gateway to accessing fresh, locally sourced fish parts perfect for creating nutritious and flavourful meals.
Q: How does it work?
A: Fishers post offers of available fish heads and frames on the app. You can browse these offers, find ones near you, and accept an offer that suits you. Once you accept an offer, you’ll receive the fisher’s contact details to arrange collection.
Q: Is there a charge?
A: No. The Free Fish Heads app is completely free to use, thanks to our sponsors.
Q: Do people really not eat their fish heads?
A: Yes, many fishers only keep the fillets and don’t use the heads and frames. These parts are often discarded, but they’re full of flavour and nutrients. By using the app, you help reduce waste by making use of these valuable fish parts.
Q: Can I get the fish heads delivered?
A: The app is designed for users to arrange collections directly with the fishers. Delivery is not provided through the app. You can discuss collection arrangements with the fisher when you make contact.
Q: What can I offer in return?
A: All exchanges on the app are free, and it’s illegal to offer payment for non-commercially caught fish parts in New Zealand. A simple thank-you and appreciation are always welcome. Building a friendly relationship with local fishers can be rewarding.
Q: Will the fish parts be fresh?
A: Yes. Fishers are encouraged to offer fresh fish heads and frames and to post offers as soon as possible after their catch. You can confirm freshness and collection timing with the fisher when you contact them.
Q: How do I cook fish heads and frames?
A: Fish heads and frames can be used in a variety of delicious recipes, such as soups, broths, curries, oven bakes, and smoked dishes. They are rich in flavour and nutrients. You can find many recipes and cooking tips online or in our video resources.
Q: How do I accept an offer?
A: Browse the available offers on the app. When you find one you’d like, tap to accept it. You’ll receive the fisher’s contact details to arrange collection.
Q: An offer I accepted has been cancelled. What does that mean?
A: This means the fisher has cancelled the offer, possibly due to unforeseen circumstances like the fish no longer being available. You can browse other offers on the app to find another opportunity.
Q: Do I need to create an account to use the app?
A: Yes, creating an account allows you to accept offers, communicate with fishers, and receive notifications.
Q: How do I find offers near me?
A: The app uses your location to display available offers in your area. Make sure to enable location services for the app to function properly.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
A: When accepting an offer, check the details provided by the fisher, and feel free to ask any questions through the in-app messaging before arranging collection.
Q: Can I request specific types of fish?
A: The availability of specific fish types depends on what local fishers offer. You can browse offers and see the type of fish being offered before accepting.
Q: Is the app available in my area?
A: Free Fish Heads is designed to connect users throughout New Zealand. Availability depends on the participation of fishers and recipients in your local area.
Q: Can I switch between requesting fish heads and offering them?
A: Yes, you can change your user type in your profile settings. However, you can only be either a recipient (seafood lover) or a provider (fisher) at any given time. This helps keep the app straightforward and prevents confusion among users.
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