The Sustainable Seafood Initiative is a community-wide effort that has been underway since 2002 to promote the conservation of fishery resources and the use of locally and domestically caught seafood in restaurants.

Sustainable seafood refers to fish that are caught or farmed with consideration for the long-term viability of individual marine species and for the oceans’ ecological balance as a whole.

As part of the Initiative’s ongoing event series, it will hold the 4th-Annual Sustainable Seafood Festival on Sunday, October 21 at the Charleston Maritime Center. The event, which will focus on how our seafood choices today can ensure fish for the future, will be held from 12 to 6 p.m.

In addition to educational opportunities, there will be seafood sampling from area chefs, cooking demos, and beer and wine tasting. This family-friendly free harborside event will also feature children’s activities and a recipe contest for aspiring chefs. Seafood, beverages and other snacks are available for purchase. You can even buy fresh local shrimp right off the boat! For more information call 577.FISH (3474).