Curtesy of NOAA
October is National Seafood Month, making it the perfect time to highlight the incredible bounty of the ocean, especially the premium crab harvested from the pristine waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea. This month, Keyport had the exciting opportunity to showcase our top-quality Alaska crab on The Hot Stove Radio Show, featuring the renowned Seattle chef Tom Douglas.
A Culinary Highlight with Tom Douglas
Chef Tom Douglas is celebrated for his culinary innovation and dedication to fresh, local ingredients. During the show, he featured Keyport’s premium Red King crab and demonstrated how to prepare this delicacy. He also shared tips on serving it in restaurants or at home. Loretta Douglas, his daughter and co-host, expressed her love for King crab, stating, “Alaskan King crab is one of the great delicacies of the world.” Keyport was also able to give the live audience a taste of this exquisite crab. Want to know how to crack King crab? Let Tom guide you through the process!
A Look into the King Crab Fishery
Joining Keyport to discuss Alaska’s commercial crab fisheries was Mark Casto, owner and former skipper of the F/V Pinnacle. Mark described how a “perfect storm” led to a significant decline in crab stock in the Bering Sea, resulting in multiple season closures. Thanks to effective resource management and a collective commitment to sustainability, crab populations have rebounded, allowing boats to return to fishing. The F/V Pinnacle recently wrapped up its Red King crab season and is gearing up for Bairdi and Opilio (Snow crab).
Advocating for Sustainability
Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, also represented at the event, play a vital role in advocating for the Red King crab and Snow crab fisheries in Alaska. Their dedication to sustainable practices ensures that these valuable resources remain for future generations enjoyment. They also promote responsible fishing techniques that protect the ecosystem while delivering delicious seafood to consumers.
Celebrating Seafood
As National Seafood Month comes to a close, we encourage everyone to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into bringing quality seafood to tables, restaurants, and supermarkets alike. Whether you’re enjoying a crab feast with friends, or incorporating crab into your favorite recipes, remember that each bite supports sustainable practices and the livelihoods of the fishermen making it happen.