A: The local food movement is strong here on Long Island. Locally harvested fish and shellfish of the highest quality are plentiful and easy to find. This seafood is harvested from the waters surrounding Long Island and are landed at nearby ports, such as Montauk and Shinnecock. We want you to know how easy it is to find local seafood near you.
Use the local seafood locator to find a fish market, shop, or Community Supported Fishery program near you.
Q: Which species are locally harvested?
A: There are a huge variety of local fish and shellfish to choose from. Local species include striped bass, scup/Porgy, squid, tilefish, sea & bay scallops, fluke, flounder, lobsters, monkfish, bluefish, black sea bass, blackfish, clams, oysters, and many more. Check out our Species list to discover Long Island’s local fish and shellfish.
Overseas (wild and farmed) seafood imports comprise over 90% of U.S. seafood consumption. Imported seafood is often unregulated and mislabeled, competing unfairly with local seafood.
Q: What if I don’t like seafood?
A: Seafood is nutrient-packed and low in fat - it is the healthiest source of animal protein available on the market. Not only that, but seafood is also much more environmentally and climate-friendly than other sources of animal protein. Fresh seafood does not taste or smell “fishy”. Give it another try and you just might change your mind about seafood and reap the benefits. Try a local species in a restaurant where it is prepared well.
Check our Events page for our next seafood tasting event near you.
Q: How do I prepare seafood?
A: It is always daunting to try something new, but we promise - local seafood is worth it! Easy-to-cook recipes are included in the RECIPES tab on this website. We’re adding new recipes all the time and offer seafood cooking classes periodically, so stay tuned to our Events page.
Q: Isn’t seafood expensive, though?
A: Not all local species are expensive. Many lesser-known species are less expensive and have the desired white, flaky meat many people seek in a fish. Scup is a perfect example of a lower-cost fish with tasty white meat. Dogfish is another inexpensive species that makes excellent fish tacos. Don’t forget - you can also inexpensively fish for local species yourself!
Some species of local fish will cost more, but you are paying for a healthier, higher quality, fresher food, as well as supporting your local community and local small businesses.
Q: Who benefits from me buying local seafood?
A: Choosing local seafood benefits local fishermen by providing greater economic value for their product, provides greater income generation within fishing communities, and provides consumers with a fresh, healthy, whole food product.
