Seattle, Washington. March 6, 2008 – The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) welcomes the opening of the Alaska halibut and black cod season on March 8, 2008.
 
Wild, natural and sustainable Alaska black cod (also called sablefish) is known for its luscious velvet texture and rich flavor. Alaska black cod has a high oil content, making it one of the best sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids - 1.8 grams per 3.5-ounce serving. Wild, natural and sustainable Alaska halibut is renowned for its mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. This flat fish is versatile, lending itself to a wide variety of cooking methods and preparations.
 
Alaska halibut and black cod, and all Alaska seafood, remain wild and sustainable due to Alaska’s long history of effective fisheries management. Strict quotas are set each season for all species, to ensure their survival and that of their surrounding ecosystems. This year’s Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for Alaska halibut and black cod are set at 50.18 million pounds and 29.97 million pounds, respectively. The season will extend into mid-November, with frozen product available year-round.
 
Foodservice professionals can expect to be serving more seafood this year, as seafood consumption is predicted to reach a record 16.8 pounds per person. In addition, 77% of consumers prefer wild, natural, ocean-caught seafood (Hale Group 2005) and 65% recognize that Alaska seafood is 100% natural (Hale Group 2008). To anticipate customer demand for wild, natural seafood, foodservice professionals can look to ASMI as an educational resource to help train both back and front of the house staff.
 
Visit www.alaskaseafood.org, to sign up for the foodservice e-newsletter, order free materials, and browse through hundreds of on-trend recipes.

Alaska is the pioneer of sustainability. Since acceptance into the Union in 1959, Alaska’s Constitution has mandated that “fish…be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle.” This long-term dedication to sustainability has resulted in keeping the world stocked with a continuous, ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood. Alaska's effective and precise fisheries management practices are considered a model for the world.
 
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is the State of Alaska’s official seafood marketing arm. It is a public agency of the State of Alaska, funded by the Alaska seafood industry and state and federal funds. ASMI promotes Alaska seafood throughout the U.S. and in 16 other countries. ASMI also provides education and training to the seafood industry in food safety and quality assurance practices. Please go to www.alaskaseafood.org for more information.

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Contact: Claudia Hogue                                                                        
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute                                    
800/806.2497