Salmon Price Motivates Chefs to Look for Alternatives Wild Pacific Albacore a Sustainable Choice

NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Portland, OR, United States, 05/07/2008 - The closure of the 2008 King salmon season and the trend toward locally-sourced foods sees US Wild Pacific Albacore, the troll-caught tuna rated as a “Best Choice” by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, on more menus across America.Albacore fishermen and distributors from Washington to Southern California are preparing to meet increased domestic demand for troll-caught albacore ahead of the 2008 fishing season, according to Wayne Heikkila, director of the Western Fishboat Owners Association (WFOA), a non-profit representing about 400 albacore fishing vessels.

‘We are working with a number of seafood distributors to ensure the supply of this premium tuna meets demand this season,’ says Heikkila. The interest in local seafood comes as the WFOA rolls out a national branding campaign for ‘Wild Pacific Albacore’ targeting retailers, foodservice professionals and consumers. Food service professionals will find information and recipe ideas for Wild Pacific Albacore on a new Web site, Pacific Albacore, when it launches May 17, said Heikkila.

Currently, most Wild Pacific Albacore is sold to Europe and Japan, where it is coveted for its flavor and nutritional value. But more American chefs, including Stuart Brioza of San Francisco’s award-winning Rubicon restaurant, are sourcing locally-caught albacore.

‘It is a really lovely fish to work with; it’s got a mild flavor and great texture,’ says Brioza. ‘Where our seafood comes from and how it’s caught is a huge concern for us.’

Western Fishboat Owners Association is about the best source on the net for Wild Caught Pacific Tuna!