So many things come to mind when someone mentions October; you may have instantly conjured visions and memories of fall, pumpkins, apple cider, and Halloween. But here’s a new word for you to think of when it comes to this autumn month: seafood.

Now, why would someone think of seafood in October? October is National Seafood Month, so it seems the right time to discuss seafood.

The United States is one of the global leaders in sustainable seafood. We could celebrate seafood every day, but since 1958, we’ve officially recognized it for 31 days each fall.

How Can You Celebrate National Seafood Month This October?

  • Add more seafood to your diet by searching for new recipes and creating your own dishes. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein and rich in nutrients.
  • Dine at a local seafood restaurant you’ve never been to. Seafood ranges in flavor depending on where it was caught and the chef’s recipes, so try out various local eateries to find some new favorites.
  • Support an organization working toward sustainable seafood.
  • Learn what makes U.S. seafood sustainable. Fish, shellfish, and marine algae are renewable resources, so they can rebuild their populations naturally. When we gather fish responsibly, we do not destroy their people.

Eating fresh seafood is especially important, so we have gathered a few tips on locating fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood.

  • Ask where the seafood is from. Most restaurants and markets have a tracking system for your seafood. Fish Trax is an example of one of the popular tracking systems.
  • As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This applies to pricing as well. Low prices might sound tempting, but it’s not worth it regarding seafood.
  • Buy from a reputable source. Look out for a foul, “fishy” smell and drying or darkening around the edges of the fish. Those signs indicate seafood that is less than fresh.