Celebrate National Seafood Month with Fresh, Maryland Seafood

photo credit: Edwin Remsberg

ANNAPOLIS, MD – October is National Seafood Month and the Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages Marylanders to support our local watermen and processors by purchasing Maryland seafood throughout the month and beyond.

“Maryland is known for many things and seafood is at the top of the list. Located along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, we are fortunate to have access to world-class seafood,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “In Maryland, the seafood sector is an important industry that contributes more than $355 million each year to the state’s economy and supports 3,341 jobs. By eating Maryland fish and shellfish, you are supporting local watermen, economies, jobs, and the entire state seafood industry.”

Maryland seafood is best known for its iconic blue crab. In 2016, Maryland watermen harvested 36.6 million pounds of crabs, totaling nearly $56.6 million. In that same year, 282,000 bushels of oysters were brought in, worth $12.27 million. Maryland watermen also harvested 1.47 million pounds of rockfish with a dockside value of $4.83 million.

Maryland’s famous blue crabs, wild oysters, rockfish, and blue catfish are currently in season. The department encourages Marylanders to ask for Maryland seafood when dining at restaurants and for home cooks to try recipes that include the local bounty.

In particular, the department recommends trying blue catfish. The blue catfish is a non-native species in the Chesapeake Bay that feasts on mussels, freshwater clams, perch, rockfish, and blue crabs. By eating the tasty, white fish you can help protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and support the seafood industry.

Another way to celebrate National Seafood Month is by attending the 52^nd Annual U.S. Oyster Festival in St. Mary’s County on Oct. 20-21.

For more information about Maryland seafood, where to purchase local seafood, and for seafood recipes, visit www.marylandsbest.net.

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