Celebrate Earth Day: Save Seafood

/PRNewswire/ -- As the world celebrates Earth Day 2009 on April 22, more people than ever are actively looking for ways to protect and preserve the world we live in. Not surprisingly, sustainability of our seas is gaining increased attention.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating a variety of seafood at least twice a week to maintain a healthy heart. But that recommendation presents a problem. If everyone were to eat a mere 39 pounds of seafood per year, seafood could quickly become a scarce natural resource.

Overfishing - catching fish faster than they can reproduce - is a potential threat to our environment. Only so many fish swim in the sea. So what can be done to protect this valuable resource? One practical solution is to support sustainably-sourced seafood.

Sustainable seafood is fished or farmed in ways that protect the existence and health of the species and the surrounding ecosystem. "If the seafood industry and consumers who purchase seafood give high priority to sustainability, we will have sufficient resources through aquaculture (farmed seafood) and wild-caught seafood to meet the increased demand that eating seafood twice a week requires," said Daryl Miller, WorldCatch senior marketing manager. "By making a commitment to buying and enjoying sustainable seafood, Americans can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the benefits of this marvelous and nutritious natural resource."

One way consumers can quickly determine if seafood is sustainable is by looking for sustainability seals on the fresh or packaged seafood that they purchase in grocery stores. When these seals are present, they can be assured that they are making responsible seafood choices.

WorldCatch uses two such seals on their sustainably-certified products. The first seal, from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), is a blue ecolabel with the diagram of a fish. It identifies sustainable, wild-caught seafood. The second seal, from the Aquaculture Certification Council (ACC), is a blue circular label that is found on farmed seafood that conforms to the "Best Aquacultural Practices."

WorldCatch frozen seafood offers a win-win proposition. They aim to use sustainable seafood sourcing practices and their ready to cook products are delicious. The company's line-up of all-natural, easy-to-prepare, chef-inspired seafood products includes Salmon Burgers, Shrimp Scampi, Coconut Shrimp, and Crab Cakes.

"Americans are increasingly appreciating seafood's inherent health benefits, like lean protein and Omega-3's," said Miller. "Frozen seafood offers the benefit of longer shelf life than fresh. And, WorldCatch products offer greater convenience and value than plain seafood because they are already sauced or seasoned, which means shoppers don't have to find and purchase recipe ingredients. Products come ready to cook right from the package."

This Earth Day, WorldCatch is encouraging consumers to start a healthy, environmentally-friendly new habit. "Enjoy eating delicious WorldCatch seafood meals," suggests Miller, "and at the same time gain the satisfaction of knowing that you're working toward the goal of seafood twice a week while supporting more sustainable seas."

In honor of Earth Day, enjoy this delicious recipe courtesy of WorldCatch. For more information, visit www.WorldCatch.com.

Aloha Salmon Burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients

1 package MSC Certified WorldCatch Wild Alaskan Salmon Burgers (SeaPak
Salmon Burgers may be substituted)
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 small can pineapple slices, drained
4 slices red onion
4 slices Swiss cheese (if desired)
4 leaves green leaf lettuce
4 hamburger buns

Directions

PREHEAT grill to medium-high heat.
GRILL salmon burgers according to package directions brushing periodically
with teriyaki sauce. Grill pineapple slices until slightly browned and
warmed through. Remove both from grill. Lightly toast hamburger buns on
grill.
PLATE by placing salmon burger on toasted bun and topping with pineapple
slice, lettuce, onion and Swiss cheese.
SERVE immediately.

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