Experts Share How to Make the Wild Choice as Consumers Are Hungry for Seafood Education
JUNEAU, Alaska–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On behalf of the nation’s largest source of wild native seafood and in celebration of National Seafood Month, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) today unveils its latest effort to help consumers make the wild choice. Studies show that 82 percent of consumers prefer seafood that is wild and sustainable1, but still crave greater clarity on how to ensure the seafood on their plate is the best choice. That’s why ASMI is creating an Alaska Seafood Ambassador Network to educate consumers and enable them to experience the Alaskan wilderness for themselves through a statewide social sweepstakes.
Alaska Seafood Ambassadors include the seafood and food industry’s most influential experts, chefs, retailers, nutritionists and fishermen, including Executive Chef Melissa King, Top Chef All-Stars winner and entrepreneur known for using West Coast ingredients with modern techniques and Asian flavors, and Tracy Welch, a lifelong Alaskan and commercial fisherman dedicated to promoting and protecting the common interests of Alaska’s commercial fishing industry. Alaska Seafood Ambassadors will provide education, shopping tips and recipe inspiration via social media and at www.AlaskaSeafood.org.
“Some people are intimidated by seafood, but I think it’s easier and quicker to cook than almost any other protein. The key is to start with quality seafood, which is why I love working with wild Alaskan seafood,” says Executive Chef Melissa King. “Alaska’s wild and natural environment produces tasty seafood that does a lot of the work for you. Any Alaskan twist is delicious with something as simple as olive oil, lemon, and freshly ground pepper, or you can experiment with more adventurous flavors like yuzu koshu—one of my favorites.”
ASMI is also offering consumers across the country a chance to win a trip for two to Alaska to experience firsthand the premier source of wild seafood. To enter, follow @AlaskaSeafood on Facebook and Instagram and comment on the contest post and share why you’re making the wild choice for a chance to win. The coveted award is provided in partnership with Travel Alaska with a round-trip fare on Alaska Airlines. Other sweepstakes partners include Baycrest Lodge, AJ’s Oldtown Steakhouse & Tavern, Captain Pattie’s Fish House, Homer Chamber of Commerce, Land’s End and The Green Can. Read full competition terms and enter by Friday 18th November to win.
“As a lifelong Alaskan and commercial fisherman, I know the importance of knowing where your seafood comes from. I have dedicated my life to ensuring that wild Alaskan seafood is available for future generations, both here in Alaska and around the world,” said Tracy Welch, Alaskan fisherman and executive director of United Fishermen of Alaska. “An easy way to know you’re choosing the best wild, sustainable seafood is to simply choose Alaskan seafood, since all seafood outside of the state is guaranteed to be wild and sustainable.”
According to research from ASMI and Datassential, shoppers are more motivated to choose seafood when it’s wild, a US product, and when inspired by simple or healthy recipe ideas1making Alaskan seafood the perfect choice.
When buying seafood, the best ways to find out if seafood is wild and sustainable are a clearly identified source and sustainability certification, or by asking your retailer, fishmonger or waiter. These details are the kind of education shoppers hunger for, as 71% of consumers want to know more about seafood sustainability1.
Curious Alaskan customers can become certified with Alaska Seafood U, a brand new interactive online resource to learn more about how Alaskan seafood is harvested, the types of produce available, and what makes it so nutritious and sustainable.
Alaskan seafood includes five species of wild salmon, cod, halibut, Alaska pollock, saberfish, rockfish, sole/flounder, crab and more, available at restaurants and retailers nationwide. Alaska is the only state with sustainable fisheries enshrined in its constitution, and the Alaskan fishing industry goes to great lengths to understand and respect their greatest resource and ensure they harvest only what the environment can bear. Plus, wild Alaskan seafood is a healthy choice because it contains high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B12, iron, zinc, and other important nutrients for immune system support and overall well-being.
Visit AlaskaSeafood.org/Make-The-Wild-Choice to learn more about why and how you can make the wild choice, and connect with @AlaskaSeafood on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about how you can win a trip for two to Alaska.
About Alaska Seafood
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) is a partnership between the State of Alaska and the Alaskan seafood industry that promotes the benefits of wild and sustainable Alaskan seafood and provides education for the seafood industry. The seafood industry is Alaska’s largest private employer, as nearly 60 percent of all wild seafood and 90-95 percent of wild salmon harvested in the United States come from Alaska. In addition to wild salmon, Alaska is known for its crab and whitefish species such as Pacific cod, saberfish, halibut, Alaska pollock, sole and rockfish – available fresh or frozen year-round. Alaska has been committed to sustainable seafood for more than 60 years and is the only state with a constitution that requires all seafood to be managed according to the principle of sustainable income. Alaska has taken a leadership role in setting the global standard for proactive resource management to protect the fishery and surrounding habitats for future generations and result in an ever-renewing supply of wild seafood for markets worldwide.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners fly to more than 120 destinations in the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize low rates and award-winning customer service. Alaska is a member of the One World Global Alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, our guests can travel to more than 900 destinations on more than 20 airlines and earn and redeem miles on flights to destinations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of the Alaska Air Group.
About the Alaska Travel Industry Association
The Alaska Travel Industry Association, Alaska’s premier statewide nonprofit travel industry membership association, promotes Alaska’s tourism industry as an economic contributor and provides members with statewide marketing resources, educational opportunities, and advocacy. ATIA has long managed Alaska’s travel destination marketing program: Travel Alaska. For more information, visit www.alaskatia.org.
1 Datassential for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, 2021