Whole Fish

Look For:

Clear, Bright, Bulging eyes

Bright-Red, Slime-Free Gills

Firm Flesh

Brightly Colored Scales

Ocean-Fresh Scent with no traces of a strong “fishy” smell.

Fillet

Look For:

A Bright and Uniform Color

Firm/Moist Flesh

Avoid:

Bruises

Red Spots

Yellowing or Browning at the Edges

Flesh that is ragged, mushy, gaping and/or dry

Fishy Smell

Shellfish

Live lobsters should curl their tail under when lifted.

Live crabs should move their legs when lifted.

All shellfish shells should be hard to the touch except for softshell blue crabs and new-shell lobsters

Live clams, mussels, oysters and scallops should have clean, unbroken and moist shells that are tightly closed or close when tapped.

Shucked clams, mussels and oysters should be plump, with clear liquids free of shell particles or grit. Meat should have a clean ocean smell.

Fresh shrimp should be firm and the shell should be translucent and moist.

Frozen

Look For:

Seafood that is frozen through and glossy

Avoid:

Partially-Thawed Fish

Fish Flesh with White or Dark Spots, Ice Crystals, Freezer Burn, and/or Dry Papery Edges