Alaska seafood featured at national event

Alaska Sea Grant and partners recently participated in the 45th annual NOAA Sustainable Seafood Celebration in Washington, D.C., with vendors from across the country bringing awareness to sustainable local seafood and fisheries.

The Alaska tent featured both wild-caught and mariculture-grown seafood dishes. Jonny Antoni from Sea Quester Farms served salmon kelp burgers, and Chris Sannito of Alaska Sea Grant prepared grilled miso-marinated black cod skewers with fish provided by Kodiak Wildsource. 

“The event was fast paced—a lot of work, but at the same time, lots of fun. We served over 1,000 people in about three hours,” reported Sannito. “Alaska seafood was a big draw at the event. It provided an opportunity for us to showcase not only the amazing seafood products from Alaska, but also how Alaska Sea Grant works with industry partners to provide technical assistance that directly benefits the industry.”

Attending the event were federal officials from both the legislative and executive branches, as well as leaders in the U.S. seafood industry. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute assisted the Alaska contingent and provided promotional materials. 

Each year, a different region of the country is highlighted at the event. The National Sea Grant College Program has been participating in the program since its inception.