As we welcome autumn, we also celebrate National Seafood Month! Join us all month long to celebrate sustainable seafood with new feature stories, recipes, videos, and more. There's a lot to celebrate because—aside from being scrumptious—seafood is good for you, good for the economy, and good for the planet!
The United States is a global leader in sustainable fisheries management. Our participatory, science-based system under 50 years of the Magnuson-Stevens Act has shown that we know how to rebuild stocks and keep them healthy. U.S. fishermen and fish farmers operate under some of the most robust and transparent environmental standards in the world. We are working to build a future where there is more American seafood on American plates.
Aquaculture is an important part of that future. Strengthening our domestic aquaculture industry is critical for the economic and environmental resilience of our coastal communities and supply of sustainable seafood. NOAA Fisheries is working to advance the science and technology needed to increase responsible seafood production through seafood farming. This year, we strengthened our commitment to expanding U.S. aquaculture through a new cooperative institute.
In addition to strong science and responsive management, sustainable seafood relies on enforced compliance. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement enforces best stewardship practices over our ocean fisheries. They work with domestic and international partners to ensure a level playing field for those playing by the rules—combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and expanding compliance with ocean stewardship laws.
Join us in celebrating National Seafood Month by supporting the hardworking harvesters, farmers, processors, retailers (and many more) who provide a bounty of sustainable seafood. Learn more by digging into our seafood features below.
New Seafood Features
Celebrate National Seafood Month by Choosing American Seafood
NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler kicks off NOAA’s annual celebration of seafood by reaffirming commitment to American fishermen and seafood farmers.
Read his latest leadership message celebrating National Seafood Month and American seafood
Celebrating Aquaculture: Farming from Tide to Table
Aquaculture—or farmed seafood—can support year-round jobs and enhance coastal resilience, all while putting food on our tables. When done responsibly, as it is in American waters, aquaculture techniques can also bolster wild fisheries and help restore protected species.
Meet the farmers expanding access to sustainable American seafood
Feast Your Eyes On Our National Culinary Arts Month Content
The United States is recognized as a global leader in sustainable seafood for both wild-caught and farmed species. For National Culinary Arts Month, we gathered a “buffet” of seafood cooking tips, recipe inspiration, and expert guidance that will help you make seafood a part of your menu all year long. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or looking to expand your recipe roster, seafood offers endless opportunities to explore new techniques and healthy flavors.
Dive into seafood recipes, expert advice, and more
Agency and Regional Priorities to Increase Seafood Production
After the release of the Executive Order to Restore American Seafood Competitiveness, NOAA Fisheries leadership met with fishermen, processors, coastal community leaders, and regional fishery management council members and staff. Based on those discussions and 787 comments from individuals and organizations, Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler sent Regional Priorities guidance to each council in July. He then shared his priorities for agency-level actions in September. Together, these actions serve as a bridge toward a broader, interagency transformation of federal seafood policy.
Fishing Fun, Tradition, and Competition!
Fishing in Hawai‘i is deeply connected to culture, community, and tradition. Fishing competitions bring people together to celebrate their shared connection to the ocean while highlighting family traditions, local knowledge, responsible fishing practices, and the importance of resilient marine resources.
Read about some of the most unique fishing tournaments and champions in Hawai‘i
50 Years of Sustainable Fisheries Management
The Magnuson-Stevens Act Turns 50
April marked 50 years of fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This milestone highlights five decades of progress in building science-based fisheries management in the United States. Since this landmark law was passed, it has prevented overfishing, rebuilt 52 stocks, protected essential fish habitats, and supported sustainable seafood and coastal economies. Its work and impact remain just as important today as the day it was signed. Explore the features below to celebrate 50 years of the Magnuson-Stevens Act!
MSA50: 50 Years of Sustainable Fisheries Management
Through the Regions: A Closer Look at Fishery Management Councils
One of the most innovative aspects of the Magnuson-Stevens Act was the establishment of eight regional councils to manage fisheries. Across the country, regional councils are tackling their own unique challenges, each shaped by their local coastal communities and united under a shared framework. In celebration of 50 years of the Act, we’re presenting an eight-part series to highlight the landmark work of each region. Read the first four:
- Caribbean Fishery Management: Voices from the Islands
- Gulf Fishery Management: Progress Through Partnership
- Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management: Science, Stewardship, and Shared Successes
- New England Fishery Management: Backed by Science, Shaped by People
Highly Migratory Species Management: Managing Shared Resources at Home and Around the World
Highly migratory species—like Atlantic yellowfin tuna, Pacific albacore, and Atlantic swordfish—travel thousands of miles across state, national, and international boundaries throughout their lives. Through leadership in domestic and international organizations, NOAA Fisheries helps advance science-based highly migratory species fishery management to bolster healthy international fish stocks and advocate for U.S. fishermen and fishing communities.
Learn about highly migratory species management
More Seafood Stories
7 Ways to Celebrate National Seafood Month
Temperatures are cooling, leaves are changing colors, and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air—all signs of fall in the United States! This time of year is meaningful for many reasons. At NOAA Fisheries, it’s a time to celebrate seafood because October is National Seafood Month. Check out ways you and your family can savor the flavors—and health benefits—of seafood.
See 7 ways to celebrate National Seafood Month
How NOAA Fisheries Helps Get American Seafood into American Diets
As part of our efforts to improve the resiliency of the U.S. seafood industry, we foster access to domestic markets for U.S. seafood. We know that a thriving, sustainable seafood sector is good for the economy and the environment, and for people who eat seafood. Thanks to a long-standing federal program, the bounty of American fisheries can be shared around the country.
Learn about our work with partners to get American seafood into American diets
Direct Marketing: Another Tool to Increase Resiliency of U.S. Seafood
Selling seafood directly to consumers, markets, or restaurants can help strengthen community connections and insulate our domestic seafood supply against disruptions. We caught up with direct marketing operations on the East and West Coasts to learn about how they are building community connections and increasing access to sustainable seafood.
Learn about American direct marketing operations
Cheer for Seafood at Your Next Tailgate Party
As the weather cools and football season continues, get ready for the big game with these seafood tailgate ideas.
Get fun fall seafood tailgating recipe ideas
Fishing for Sport and Seafood
All seafood is local when you catch it yourself. Celebrate National Seafood Month by grabbing your gear and hitting the water.
Try favorite dishes from anglers around the country
