Alaska's Halibut and Black Cod Season Opened

The 2011 wild Alaska halibut and black cod (sablefish) season opened on 12 March, 2011. Statewide catch limits for Alaska halibut and black cod are set at 32.5 million pounds and 35.4 million pounds, respectively. Alaska boasts one of the largest populations of wild Pacific halibut and black cod in the world, accounting for 80% of the commercial wild Pacific halibut harvest and two-thirds of the commercial wild black cod harvest in North America, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to ASMI.

Alaska halibut and black cod, and in fact all seafood from Alaska, are wild and sustainable seafood choices. Alaska is the only state in the nation to have sustainability language written into its constitution and is considered a model for the world. Visit www.alaskaseafood.org to learn more about Alaska's wild fisheries.

Wild Alaska black cod is a highly sought after fish and praised by consumers for its beautiful snow-white meat and velvety texture. Alaska halibut is known for its firm texture and mild, sweet flavor. Thanks to healthy stocks and sustainable management, you can enjoy Alaska black cod and Alaska halibut fresh from March through mid-November, and frozen year-round.

Visit www.wildalaskaflavor.com for nutrition information and chef recipes with high-resolution photos. Also, visit www.cookitfrozen.com to learn how to prepare dinner in minutes by cooking frozen fish without thawing with ASMI's Cook It Frozen!® techniques.

For more than 50 years, Alaska has been dedicated to sustainable seafood. It's so essential to our way of life that our constitution has a mandate that "fish ... be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle." The seafood industry is Alaska's largest private sector employer. As a result, Alaskans understand the need to protect the fisheries and surrounding habitats for future generations. We're proud of our leadership in sustainable management, which has led to an ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood for markets around the world.