Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has received grants from the USDA and New York Sea Grant to continue the established marketing and education campaign focused on encouraging consumers to “Choose Local F.I.S.H." because it is:

Fresh. Indigenous. Sustainable. Healthy.

The “Choose Local F.I.S.H.” initiative aims to increase interest, awareness, and demand for locally harvested, wild-caught and grown seafood through education/outreach events, media outlets, local seafood cooking demonstrations and tastings, “Seafood Literacy” presentations, and other exciting events. CCE is collaborating with fishermen, seafood retailers, distributors, CSA/CSF programs, restaurants, and other seafood industry members wanting to expand their marketing strategies and promotions, and get involved with this important project.

When you buy local, you buy a fish that was caught mere hours or days before you purchase it. Because local fish are sourced right here on Long Island, you can be sure that the fish you’re getting is as fresh as it can be!

New York boasts a vibrant, healthy ocean ecosystem that is home to hundreds of species. Our state’s large, nationally-recognized estuaries provide habitat for the fish and shellfish we eat. Local fishers know these waters like the back of their hand, and respect the seasonality of the fish and the environment we all share.

When you buy local, you know exactly where your fish are coming from! And because our local fish are harvested from within the United States’ waters, harvesters must abide by some of the strictest, scientifically-backed regulations in the world.

Wild-caught fish and shellfish are some of the healthiest animal proteins around, as they are low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. Like we said above, when you get local, you get fresh and that means it also tastes better.