Juneau, Alaska, March 7, 2007 – The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has announced that the wild Alaska halibut and black cod fisheries will open on March 10th and close November 15th, 2007.
 
Retailers and consumers alike celebrate as highly anticipated wild and sustainable Alaska halibut and black cod enter the market. Both fish are harvested from Alaska’s icy pure waters where they naturally develop a superior texture and unparalleled flavor. Simply put, Alaska’s bounty continues to drive consumers to retail where they increasingly know to ‘Ask for Alaska.’
  
And ‘Ask for Alaska’ they do, for Alaska seafood is a treasure without equal. Alaska halibut, known as the ‘steak of seafood,’ has a mild, slightly sweet flavor complemented by a firm texture. It is light and lean, suitable for a wide variety of cooking applications and is often recommended by retailers to gateway seafood eaters. Alaska black cod is often referred to as the ‘caviar of fish’ due to its delicate, yet rich texture, buttery taste and limited availability. Retailers know that ‘omega-3’ continues to be a buzzword at the seafood counter this year and consumers will continue to request wild and sustainable Alaska black cod, among the richest in this heart-healthy nutrient.
 
Not only are Alaska halibut and black cod wild and sustainable, but the health benefits of seafood consumption also continue to receive scientific endorsement. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute’s (ASMI) Technical Program Director, Randy Rice, notes that a recent British-American study published in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, is gaining national attention. The study indicates that maternal seafood consumption has beneficial effects on verbal IQ development in children. Rice states, “It seems to confirm the notion that fish are indeed brain food.” Certainly, seafood managers and retailers nationwide will continue to spread the word.

Retailers can sustain the harvest season with help from ASMI. From receiving to promoting Alaska seafood, ASMI has a complete stock of instructional as well as eye-catching point of sale materials available to assist retailers as the season heats up.  Visit ASMI online at www.alaskaseafood.org or call (800) 806-2497 to order items such as in-ice signs, posters, recipe leaflets and preparation tips, or request a complimentary Sales Aids & Literature Catalog.

Alaska is the pioneer of sustainability. Since acceptance into the Union in 1959, Alaska has been the only state in the nation whose constitution mandates 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.  Indeed, 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 federal grants.  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.

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Contact: Cassandra Squibb
907-586-3017