For Fresh-Fish Lovers Everywhere: An Overview of the Alaska Seafood Harvesting Seasons Chart

With the food technologies of the modern era (in other words, the freezer), delicious Alaska seafood is available all year long. It is not longer necessary to think about harvesting seasons, peak times, etc. ... unless, of course, you want to. In spite of the luxury that the ability to freeze food allows us in being able to enjoy Alaska seafood all year, some may still prefer the freshness only possible during specific times of the year. If you are included in this group of "freshness snobs", consult the Alaska Seafood Harvesting Seasons Chart to find out what you will and won''t want to have for dinner tonight.

If you find yourself in the midst of winter, know that salmon (unless it is of the King species) is not in your immediate future. The four other types of salmon found in the Alaska Seafood Harvesting Seasons Chart - Sockeye, Coho, Keta and Pink - appear to be harvested in summer months and will therefore be difficult to find fresh from October to May.

If you are looking for fresh whitefish, you will be in luck most of the year. Rockfish is available year round, and Flounder, Halibut and Black Cod can be found fresh all of the time except for in December and January. Cod is also a fairly safe bet, but watch out as fishing may be subject to sporadic openings and closings in the summer months.

Shellfish seasons tend to vary significantly, so be watchful. Luckily, Oysters and King Crab should be generally available all year. Other species, however, are not. For example, Snow Crab is a wintertime specialty, and Dungeness Crab will be fresh only during the latter half of the year. Consult the Alaska Seafood Harvesting Seasons Chart to find information regarding other shellfish like Shrimp and Scallops, which are available at varying times of the year.

The next time you are looking to enjoy a meal of fresh, tasty seafood, make sure to let the Alaska Seafood Harvesting Seasons Chart be your guide and reap all the benefits fresh Alask a seafood has to offer.