In October, the state is celebrating Seafood Month by recognizing what Governor Jay Inslee is highlighting the resource and local fisheries for their impact statewide, saying that it is a growing trend to connect residents to those who supply seafood.
Since the coronavirus response began, there has been a reduced demand for seafood from restaurant, market, and global trade, although the Washington Sea Grant and the Washington departments of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Agriculture (WSDA) are showcasing efforts in Westport, Bellingham, and the Olympic Peninsula for consumers to directly connect with this part of the state’s cultural history.
Locally, the City of Westport and the Port of Grays Harbor have teamed up to launch Westport’s Fresh Catch, a marketing effort to help visitors connect directly with local fisherman coming off the docks or restaurants serving the seasonal catch. The effort includes a web page, boardwalk signs, and social media marketing.
In Bellingham, fishermen, port officials, the Working Waterfront Coalition, and Bellingham SeaFeast are working right now to expand access to fisher-direct sales fresh from the boat. The local campaign will launch in mid-October.
Travelers to the Olympic Peninsula can follow the Olympic Culinary Loop to find local farms and producers and savor food all along the coast from shellfish to produce and more.
During Seafood Month, WDFW, WSDA, and Washington Sea Grant will be sharing stories and videos featuring Washington’s maritime towns, commercial fishermen and women, and recipes to enjoy local Washington seafood.
More information about when and where to buy locally sourced Washington seafood is available at wdfw.wa.gov/LocalWASeafood. Consumers can also find Pacific Northwest seafood near them with the help of Local Catch, a network of supported fisheries and small-scale harvesters.
View the Governor’s Seafood Month proclamation.