Incorporating seafood into your holiday meals is a healthy, sustainable, and delicious way to support our nation’s fishermen and seafood farmers. It could be a festive seafood feast, a beloved family recipe, or a lighter dish to balance out holiday indulgence. Either way, adding more U.S. seafood to your table brings people together—this season and all year long.
The United States is a global leader in sustainable seafood for both wild-caught and farmed species. Sustainable seafood relies on strong science, responsive management, and enforced compliance. This year—and every year!—we are grateful for the people who make that a reality.
U.S. fishermen and seafood farmers operate under some of the most robust and transparent environmental standards in the world. Fisheries researchers and managers work to ensure our science-based system has the best available information and is responsive to an ever-changing environment. And NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement enforces best stewardship practices over our ocean fisheries.
NOAA Fisheries also advances sustainable management practices internationally. We work with domestic and international partners to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and expand compliance with ocean stewardship laws.
We are committed to making the United States the world’s dominant seafood leader. We are working to establish a level playing field for our seafood producers, and maintain confidence in U.S. seafood products and access to the global marketplace. Aquaculture plays a key role in sustainable seafood as well. Developing a domestic aquaculture industry is critical for the economic and environmental resiliency of our coastal communities and supply of sustainable seafood.
Dig into our seafood features below. We’ll be adding more throughout the holiday season, so be sure to come back for a second helping!
Seafood Features You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
Holiday Seafood Tips From the People Bringing You Pacific Coast Seafood
The holidays are in full swing! These experts from the Pacific coast are sharing their stories and tips for making seafood a bigger part of your celebration (and your life)—no matter where you live.
Join us in celebrating the seafood community members who keep our coastal traditions alive year-round—and maybe even find a spark of holiday cooking inspiration along the way.
Meet the people serving up the gift of U.S. seafood
Holiday Seafood Tips From the People Bringing You Atlantic Coast Seafood
Across the country, fishermen, farmers, chefs, and educators are working to keep fishing heritage alive while inspiring new generations to value the bounties of our coastal waters. During this time of thanksgiving, we’re honoring the American people, families, and communities who bring fresh, sustainable seafood to our tables.
Give thanks to the people serving up U.S. seafood
A Little Goes a Long Way: How Small Programs Are Educating Communities About Farmed Seafood
We feature nine projects funded through the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants Program, a collaboration between the North American Association for Environmental Education and NOAA. They showcase community-driven aquaculture education programs that are connecting communities to sustainable seafood—one classroom, kitchen, and podcast at a time.
Part 1: Grantees from the Southeast and West Coasts
Part 2: Grantees from New England and the Mid-Atlantic
A Sustainable Seafood Sampler from Coast to Coast
The United States has sustainable seafood choices for every occasion. Learn more about some regional favorites and find a new recipe for your next holiday celebration.
Discover local favorites from around the country
What Your Birth Month Says About Your Next Seafood Recipe
We know that “what’s for dinner?” can feel like the hardest question of the day, especially during the holidays. To help you power through, we’ve gathered seafood recipes matched to the traits of your birth month! From January trailblazers, to July optimists, to December free spirits, these sustainable seafood flavors will match your personality—and inspire you every month of the year.
Find recipe inspiration for every month of the year
7 Ways to Celebrate with Seafood
This time of year is meaningful for many reasons, so why not add one more to your list? Check out ways you and your family can savor the flavors—and health benefits—of seafood.
See 7 ways to celebrate U.S. seafood
Cheer for Seafood at Your Next Tailgate Party
Tailgate parties provide the quintessential outdoor venue to catch up with friends over food and drinks. They’re also a great excuse to eat sustainable seafood! Incorporate local seafood into classic party dishes or try out a new recipe inspired by a rival team’s region.
Get inspired with tailgate-ready recipes from our partners
Seafood is Simple—Quick and Healthy Recipes for Families on the Go!
Overwhelmed by all the holiday cooking and prep? Seafood is a healthy and delicious option for simple weeknight meals. Choosing U.S.-produced seafood ensures an environmentally sustainable option that supports U.S. fishermen and seafood farmers—and their families.
Here are some suggestions for simple seafood suppers
Swap In Surf for Turf to Add More Seafood to Your Diet
Seafood is a healthy source of the protein you need to get through the day. For a healthier holiday menu, substitute seafood for the conventional proteins in classic American fare. Not sure where to start? We compiled several ways to “swap” seafood into your family’s diet.
Check out "seafood swap" recipes for your holiday menu
