DURHAM, N.H. - This Memorial Day weekend, the public will have an opportunity to celebrate the kickoff of the 2013 New Hampshire commercial fishing season while tasting local seafood and beer.

The N.H. Fresh and Local Seafood 2013 Kickoff will take place at the Portsmouth Fishing Pier on Sunday, May 26 from noon - 3 p.m. UNH Cooperative Extension and N.H. Sea Grant (NHSG) have teamed up with N.H. commercial fishermen, lobstermen, chefs, seafood retailers, Redhook Brewery and numerous other local organizations and individuals to host the kickoff. The new Redhoook Black Lobstah Lager—a brew made with N.H. lobsters—will be on tap, and attendees can taste alternative seafood species like redfish and hake prepared by local chefs.

This year will be a challenging one for local fishermen as they face drastic cuts in groundfish quotas, low prices for lobster and the continued high cost of fuel. They are seeking ways to make ends meet and continue providing fresh seafood to consumers while conserving fish stocks. Species like redfish, pollock, hake and softshell lobster are abundant in local waters, providing an opportunity for local seafood lovers to continue to support N.H. fishermen and enjoy sustainable seafood.

"This will be a special event, in the tradition of the 'Blessing of the Fleet,' where the community comes together to support our fishermen as they head into the uncertainties of another fishing year," said Erik Chapman, NHSG/Extension commercial fisheries specialist. "Attendees will learn the importance of buying local seafood, particularly this year, to support the businesses of friends and neighbors and help establish a market for diverse, seasonal and locally available species."

Tickets for the kickoff can be purchased online for $18. Space for the event is limited; go to www.bit.ly/NHSeafoodKickoff to reserve a spot. For more information, visit www.nhseafood.com or contact Gabby Bradt at gabriela.bradt@unh.edu or 603.862.2033.

UNH Cooperative Extension puts trusted information and practical know-how in the hands of New Hampshire citizens and organizations. UNH Cooperative Extension is at work in every New Hampshire county, making the state's critical industries stronger; developing vibrant communities and municipal leaders, and fostering healthy families and an informed and engaged citizenry. www.extension.unh.edu. Celebrating 100 years in 2014.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students.

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