Page 5 - Buy Local | Guide for Retailers, Restaurants and Culinary Schools

PWALKING THE WALK
addling across the lake at your family’s cabin, anticipating the sound of a freshly caught trout sizzling on a cast iron pan—many Wisconsinites feel inspired by and connected to our local waters. Eating local Wiscon- sin fish is a very powerful way for us to stay connected to these waters when we’re enjoying dinner at a restaurant or preparing a meal for our families back at home.
This guide showcases seafood available from producers in Wisconsin, a state rich in both fishing heritage and water resources. Generations of families have commercially harvested Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior since the 1830s, and Wisconsin fish farmers are leaders in aquaponics, cultivating fish and plants together to efficiently recycle nutrients.
There’s a lot for us to love about our Wisconsin fish:
Local Jobs: More than 90% of the seafood eaten by Americans is imported from other countries. By purchasing fish from Wisconsin fish farmers and Great Lakes commercial fishers, food dollars support local family businesses.
Local Protection: 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.
Local Stewardship: People who care about eating local fish also care about local water, and more people caring about Wisconsin’s water is good for us all.
Enjoy meeting our local Wisconsin fish producers!
KATHLEEN S. KLINE Education Outreach Specialist Wisconsin Sea Grant
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