We often hear such things as "insist on fresh seafood" or even "insist on fresh wild caught seafood" and while this is obviously something we should do to support our local seafood industry and its workers, perhaps we all have a much more personal reason for doing it. We may not only be denying ourselves the best tasting and healthiest products by buying the imports that many large chain stores, restaurants, and even, unfortunately, some smaller more localized shops and restaurants, feel it is okay to pass off as local fresh seafood products. The imports may be downright filthy, toxic, and generally unsafe. This is a huge problem that was underscored a few years ago when the State Capital Building cafeteria was discovered to be substituting another fish for what their menu claimed was "Florida Grouper". Don't be taken in. If it smells fishy, it probably is not fresh and certainly is not fresh grouper. If you don't know what a restaurant might serve you, ask. If you don't like the answer, then don't eat there. Seafood Markets and retailers are required by law to disclose the origin of the foods they sell but often label seafood in a misleading fashion. Check closely, usually the "catch of the day" which seems like too good a bargain to be true is exactly that...too good to be true.
Make sure that the seafood you eat is fresh domestically produced seafood and you will be rewarded with healthier, tastier meals and a good feeling that you are supporting American workers and industries.

