The 7th annual October celebration from the National Seafood Association offers simple, affordable ways to follow guidance recommending three seafood servings per week.
RESTON, Va., October 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Three seafood servings a week means three opportunities to put something fresh, delicious and nourishing on the table.
That’s the spirit behind the seventh annual National Pescatarian Month this October, as the National Seafood Association and its award-winning Dish on Fish blog help home cooks discover simple ways to make fish and shellfish a more regular part of their routines.
This year, there’s even more reason to give it a try. The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of seafood per week, up from previous guidance of at least two weekly servings, while emphasizing high-quality, nutrient-dense protein and a broader focus on eating real, whole foods.
“Eating seafood three times a week can sound like a big change if it isn’t already part of your routine, but it really doesn’t have to be,” said Rima Kleiner, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist and nutrition expert behind Dish on Fish. “Start with meals you already know and love. Swap shrimp into your tacos, salmon into a favorite pasta or canned tuna into a salad or grain bowl. Seafood can become one more protein you automatically reach for.”
Seafood is a high-quality protein source that also provides important nutrients, including the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2026 National Nutrition Report found that more than half of the U.S. population has an undesirably low omega-3 index and 98% has levels below the optimal range.
National Pescatarian Month celebrates those who have embraced a pescatarian lifestyle while encouraging everyone to make room on their plates for more seafood. And adding seafood doesn’t have to mean spending more money, learning complicated cooking techniques or starting from scratch with unfamiliar recipes.
Frozen seafood can offer an easy option for weeknight dinners, including products that can be cooked straight from the freezer, while canned and pouched tuna, salmon and other seafood can add protein to meals with little or no cooking. And fish and shellfish can easily take the place of other proteins in familiar favorites, from sandwiches and salads to burgers and pasta.
“Some of the biggest barriers we hear are that seafood is too expensive or that people aren’t confident cooking it at home,” Kleiner said. “We want to show that seafood can be affordable, convenient, incredibly easy to prepare and, most of all, delicious.”
Throughout October, Dish on Fish will offer plenty of inspiration, including new recipes like “Marry Me” Salmon and Sheet Pan Scallops, monthly meal plans, family favorites, its e-cookbook and other resources designed to make eating seafood easier.
National Pescatarian Month complements National Seafood Month, also celebrated in October, and brings together seafood companies, retailers, restaurants, health professionals, media and consumers around the shared goal of increasing seafood consumption.
“You don’t have to completely change the way you eat to participate in National Pescatarian Month,” said Brandon Phillips, Vice President of External Affairs and Councils for the National Seafood Association. “Whether you embrace a pescatarian lifestyle or just add another seafood meal or two to your week, October is a great time to discover how easy and exciting it can be to eat more seafood.”
To learn more about Dish on Fish and National Pescatarian Month, visit dishonfish.com or follow Dish on Fish on Facebook, Pinterest, X and Instagram.
About National Pescatarian Month
National Pescatarian Month is recognized each October in celebration of Pescatarians and the Pescatarian Diet. This officially designated holiday embraces the health and lifestyle advantages of choosing a pescatarian diet, which consists of seafood and vegetarian options. The holiday encourages consumers to “Go Pescatarian” in October, with a goal of eating three servings of seafood a week, whether enjoyed at a restaurant or prepared at home. National Pescatarian Month is sponsored by the National Seafood Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about seafood safety, sustainability and nutrition. To learn more about National Pescatarian Month, visit the Dish on Fish blog.
About the National Seafood Association
The National Seafood Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about seafood safety, sustainability and nutrition. From seagoing vessels to favorite seafood restaurants, the National Seafood Association’s diverse member companies bring delicious fish and shellfish to American families. The National Seafood Association promotes the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines, which recommend Americans include seafood in their diets three times per week for longer, healthier lives. The National Seafood Association and its members are committed to sustainable management of our oceans and to being stewards of our environment through the National Seafood Association’s embrace of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Fisheries. The National Seafood Association believes the investment it makes in the world’s oceans today will provide our children and future generations the health benefits of a plentiful supply of fish and other seafood tomorrow. From responsible aquaculture and a marketplace supporting free trade to ensuring consumers and the media have the facts about the health benefits of fish and shellfish, the National Seafood Association and its members support and promote sound public policy based on ground-truth science.
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SOURCE National Seafood Association
