How to make sure you’re eating gulf seafood

We know you love eating fresh gulf seafood, but how can you be sure that’s what you’re being served?

After all, more than 90 percent of seafood served in U.S. restaurants is imported, according to a study by Oceana, an organization that studies and advocates for safety of the world’s waters.

In addition, Oceana investigated seafood fraud of fish, shrimp and crab cakes in the retail market and found that about one-third of the seafood examined was mislabeled — the product listed on the label or menu was different than what the buyer thought they purchased, often a less desirable or lower-priced species.

While visiting the Alabama Coastal Connection restaurants and markets, there is one way to be sure that seafood you’re eating is local: Ask. If you’re interested in a particular restaurant, call ahead to ask where they get their shrimp, fish or oysters.

Check with seafood markets in Bon Secour or Bayou La Batre to find out where they sell their product. Or just head down to those markets and buy seafood right off the boat. When you get home (or back to your vacation property), you’ll feel good about grilling it, steaming it or frying it up, knowing it’s fresh and local.

The Eat Alabama Seafood campaign’s website keeps a list of the establishments that serve gulf seafood, so be sure to check there as well.

You might also want to learn what’s in season. That’s good information to have whether you want to do some fishing or find out what’s fresh at the local markets or restaurants.