This $596,645 Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (CFDA 10.175) aims to enhance economic opportunities for tribal and non-tribal fishers and mid-tier operators working with American shad, an abundant and nutritious invasive species, in the Columbia River region. Over three years, the grant will: 1) cultivate and connect mid-tier food enterprises, producers, and others through market development and value-chain coordination; 2) incubate and grow mid-tier producers' ability to develop value-added shad products and assess market opportunities through technical assistance; and 3) increase access and availability of American shad products by coordinating regional distribution networks and establishing wholesale and consumer connections. Key partners, including Orca Design Group, Oregon State University, and various industry collaborators, will provide specialized expertise to support product development, marketing, and supply chain logistics.