why local?

〰 〰

Coastal communities

Many Louisiana seafood producers are family-owned businesses deeply rooted in their local communities. By supporting Louisiana seafood, you're helping to sustain these communities and promote economic resilience in the face of challenges like natural disasters and economic downturns.

Cultural Heritage

Louisiana has a rich culinary heritage deeply intertwined with its seafood traditions. From gumbo to crawfish boils, seafood plays a central role in the state's cuisine and culture. By supporting Louisiana seafood, you're helping to preserve and celebrate this cultural legacy.

Diverse Culinary Options

Louisiana's seafood bounty offers a diverse array of culinary options, from traditional Creole and Cajun dishes to innovative fusion cuisine. By supporting Louisiana seafood, you're opening yourself up to a world of delicious flavors and culinary creativity.

Economic Impact

Louisiana's seafood industry is a vital component of the state's economy, providing thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. Louisiana's seafood delights also draw visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to the state's tourism industry. By supporting Louisiana seafood, you're directly contributing to the livelihoods of fishers, processors, distributors, and other businesses within the industry as well as supporting the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Environmental Sustainability

Louisiana's coastal wetlands are not only crucial for seafood production, but also serve as a vital buffer against storms and hurricanes. Sustainable seafood practices are essential for preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring the long-term viability of seafood resources. By supporting local seafood producers and sustainable seafood practices in Louisiana, you're contributing to the conservation of these marine habitats and helping to ensure the health and preservation of these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

Nutritional Benefits

Seafood is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy diet. By incorporating Louisiana seafood into your meals, you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with wholesome and nutritious food.

Quality and Freshness

Louisiana seafood is renowned for its exceptional quality and freshness. Whether it's shrimp, oysters, crab, or fish, the Gulf waters produce some of the most delicious and sought-after seafood in the world. By supporting Louisiana seafood, you're guaranteed to enjoy a superior culinary experience.

Regulatory Compliance

Louisiana seafood is subject to stringent quality and safety regulations enforced by state and federal agencies. By choosing Louisiana seafood, you can have confidence in its safety and traceability, knowing that it has undergone rigorous inspections and meets the highest standards of quality.

Audubon GULF’s Guide to Buying Sustainable Seafood

As a consumer, you have an opportunity to influence the availability of seafood for you and everyone else who enjoys the delicious food from our oceans. When you purchase seafood, the money that you spend directly funds the efforts of the people who work to catch and process the fish or shellfish you’re putting on your table.

By choosing to order something off a menu at a restaurant that features sustainably caught seafood, or purchasing sustainably sourced seafood in stores, you’re encouraging those businesses to continue purchasing sustainable seafood.

Use GULF's Guide to Buying Sustainable Seafood for easy tips on how to start your sustainable seafood journey and make educated choices as a consumer.

Seafood Resources