Many seafood lovers are aware that buying seafood can be difficult.

According to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch many marine species are endangered or threatened. Overfishing is a growing problem. Overfishing, oil spillages, climate change, and other human activities have all affected every inch of the ocean.

In fact, radioactive bluefins from Japan have recently moved to the Pacific Ocean. Due to the devastating earthquake in Japan, this tuna, Japan’s most valuable fish, now has dangerous levels of radioactive ceium. The bluefin species is also severely overfished.

Ask chefs and seafood traders about sustainable options to avoid overfishing. You can ask for albacore tuna and not bluefin tuna. Or stick to sustainable farmed seafood such as U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. American-farmed catfish guarantees freshness and high quality, unlike imported varieties.

Catfish can be used to add a new twist to your traditional chowder recipe.

Catfish Chowder

4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets, cut in bite-sized pieces

6 slices of thick-cut bacon

3 cups diced yellow onions

1 1?2 cups celery, diced

34 cup flour

2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

6 cups chicken stock

2 large baking potatoes. Cut into bite-size pieces. Boil and drain.

1 15-ounce whole kernel sweet corn in a can, drained

14 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 cup thinly sliced green onions, divided

1 cup heavy Cream

12 teaspoon hot sauce

Salt and pepper to your liking

1. Boil bacon in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until it is nicely browned. Set aside bacon strips. Cook for 5 minutes.

2. Combine flour and Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle flour mixture over onion and celery. Stir to absorb oil. Cook for three more minutes.

3. Mix in chicken stock. Stir to combine vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes. Add potatoes, corn and parsley. Cook for 5 minutes more or until catfish is cooked through.

4. Serve with cream and hot sauce. S & P to taste. Add the remaining green onions and chopped bacon pieces. Serve with crusty bread

You can find more catfish recipes here www.uscatfish.com.