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Eat Wisconsin Fish is sponsored by Wisconsin Sea Grant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin Sea Grant supports scientific research, education and outreach to foster the wise use, conservation and sustainable development of Great Lakes and coastal resources.

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Why Fish? Why Local?

Eat Wisconsin Fish / Why Fish? Why Local?

5 Great Reasons to Eat Wisconsin Fish

 
  1. Supports Wisconsin jobs
  2. Fresh products
  3. Healthy food with lots of Omeaga-3s
  4. Highly regulated
  5. Sustainable choices
 
 
 

Support Your Local Economy

By purchasing fish from Wisconsin fish farmers and Great Lakes commercial fishers, you’re keeping your food dollars close to home and supporting local family businesses. Experts estimate that about 65% of the fish and shrimp eaten by Americans is imported from other countries (National Academy of Sciences, May 2019).

Fresh from the water

Freshness matters! Visit a local fish monger to find the “catch of the day” or seek out fresh fish at some farmer’s markets in the state. Why buy a fish from a foreign port thousands of miles away when there are Wisconsin-raised fish to be had?
 

It’s a Healthy Choice and a Great Source of Omega-3

Fish is a healthy food choice for people of all ages. It’s rich in vitamin and minerals, and it’s a lower-calorie, lower-fat source of protein compared to meat and poultry. Since different types of fish offer different nutrients (such as vitamin D, A, C and E, and iodine, calcium, phosphorus and selenium), aim to eat a variety of fish.

Fish is the main dietary source of two important omega-3 fatty acids—EPA and DHA—that can help reduce the risk of heart disease in adults and contribute to healthy brain and vision development in infants, among other potential health benefits. Fish grown in Wisconsin waters contain levels of omega-3 fatty acids comparable to levels in Alaskan Sockeye Salmon.

Minimum recommended daily intake by healthy adults is 0.3 grams Minimum recommended daily intake by healthy adults is 0.3 grams.

It’s a well-regulated industry

Wisconsin’s commercial fisheries are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The state’s food-fish farms and all fish processing are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also regulates seafood safety in the U.S. Other countries have different standards for health, safety, sustainability and human rights related to the production, harvest and processing of fish for food.
 

Support Sustainability

Fewer fossil fuels are used to bring local fish to your table. Also, unlike many international seafood producers, Wisconsin fish farmers and Great Lakes commercial fishermen are strictly regulated by federal and state laws that protect fish populations, human health and the environment.

Where to Buy Wisconsin Fish

View map of businesses that supply Wisconsin fish.