National Seafood Month (October 2025)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every October
Tagged as:	Food & Drink
What's the hashtag?	#NationalSeafoodMonth
We first published this page on:	Aug 16th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Aug 16th, 2025

Contents

Seafood is more than just food—it’s part of daily life for millions across the country. It brings fresh flavor, essential nutrients, and variety to meals.

From flaky cod to rich salmon, seafood offers lean protein and omega-3s that support heart and brain health.

National Seafood Month highlights not only what we eat but how it’s caught, farmed, and shared. Along coastlines and rivers, skilled workers pull nets, haul traps, and tend farms with deep care.

Their work supports entire communities and ensures the seafood supply stays strong and steady.

National Seafood Month also points to how this system stays in balance. U.S. seafood comes from one of the most carefully managed systems in the world.

Strict science-based rules protect ocean life while keeping supplies dependable.

These efforts support local jobs and make sure future generations can enjoy seafood, too. Every crab, clam, and fillet tells a story of planning, effort, and respect for the sea.

This month reminds us to value the people, waters, and choices behind every seafood meal.

How to Celebrate National Seafood Month

National Seafood Month offers a great reason to enjoy seafood and learn what makes it special. Here are six fun, easy ways to join in.

Try Local Catch

Pick seafood caught or raised near your area. Local sellers often carry fish and shellfish that don’t travel far.

Choosing them supports nearby workers and keeps meals fresh and interesting. It also cuts down transport time, which helps the planet.

Taste Something New

Step outside your comfort zone. Try a fish you’ve never bought before, or sample a regional favorite. You might discover a new favorite dish while supporting a wider range of seafood sources.

Variety helps protect overfished stocks, too.

Cook a Quick Dish

Make a seafood dinner at home using just a few ingredients. Keep it simple—pan-seared fillets or grilled skewers do the trick. Many recipes take under 30 minutes. Fast prep, bold flavor.

Dine at a Seafood Spot

Head to a trusted restaurant with a strong seafood menu. Ask how they source their ingredients. Fresh, traceable options help everyone—fishers, diners, and the oceans.

Learn Why It Matters

Explore how seafood ends up on your plate. Read about sustainability, science, and careful harvesting. These practices protect marine life while keeping food supplies steady.

Share an Ocean Tale

Tell others about your seafood experience. Stories spark curiosity and help people care more about the food they eat.

History of National Seafood Month

Seafood plays a big role in American life. It brings jobs, meals, and traditions to people across the country. In 1989, the U.S. Congress made National Seafood Month official.

Lawmakers wanted to support seafood workers and help the public learn more about the value of this food. They picked October as a time to highlight the care and effort behind every catch.

The month shines a spotlight on the entire supply chain—from fishers and farmers to sellers and chefs. These workers rely on strong science, clear rules, and careful handling to protect marine life.

National Seafood Month reminds people that smart choices in stores and restaurants can support both oceans and communities.

NOAA Fisheries plays a big role in this effort. Each year, the agency shares stories about how seafood is harvested, processed, and delivered. They also promote healthy eating and explain how the U.S. manages seafood more responsibly than many other countries.

This month helps connect people to what they eat. It gives seafood workers the credit they deserve and encourages good habits.

Behind each fish or crab is a network of people who depend on clean water, smart policy, and steady demand. National Seafood Month brings that full picture to the surface.

National Seafood Month