Are you ready for local sweet fat crabs, delicious crab meat, succulent oysters and tender, flaky rockfish? Autumn is the perfect time for Maryland seafood because the best of the best is in season at the same time! "Make a Splash with Maryland Seafood" is a promotional campaign created by the seafood industry to make consumers aware of the bounty of fresh, delicious Maryland seafood available this time of year. Look for the "Make a Splash" logo in your favorite restaurant, grocery store or seafood market.

"Seafood is one of Maryland's great family traditions with generations of watermen working side-by-side to provide us with fresh, delicious finfish and shellfish," said Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley. "The family-oriented Maryland seafood industry contributes strongly to Maryland's economy. "Maryland Seafood Month" is as much a tribute to Maryland's seafood family as it is a celebration of our greatest natural resource."

Seafood quality and safety has been, and continues to be, another Maryland tradition. The state's seafood is monitored by several state agencies, local health departments and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These agencies conduct regular product and plant inspections and water tests ensuring that Maryland seafood is a most wholesome product for consumers. In addition, Maryland crab meat undergoes a voluntary quality control and sanitation inspection. Maryland is the only state that has this extra level of inspection for crab meat. This is another reason why Maryland crab meat is superior to all other crab meat in the world!

Maryland seafood is more than delicious. An excellent source of high quality protein, seafood is easily digested, generally low in fat, sodium and calories and high in important vitamins and minerals. In addition, seafood contains Omega-3 fatty acids, believed to be effective in lowering cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Eating Maryland seafood is a healthy, delicious way to improve your lifestyle. Not only does October signal the harvest of savory, plump oysters, October is also the best time for crabs, which have been fattening up all summer. And, of course, our world-famous state fish, striped bass, known locally as rockfish is a tasty and popular fall dish. So, "Make a Splash with Maryland Seafood," jump in and enjoy the best the season has to offer.

Try this delicious recipe to start your "Splash with Maryland Seafood" feast!

1 pound Maryland rockfish fillets, cut into cubes
1 pound Maryland crab meat, fresh or pasteurized
1 pint Maryland oysters, standards
3 slices bacon
½ cup onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 clove garlic
1 10 ounce can Irish potatoes
1 8 ounce jar clam juice
½ cup white wine
1 quart water
1 can 14½ ounce chicken broth
2 tablespoons parsley
1 10 ounce can tomatoes
1 tablespoons seafood seasoning
1 pound bag frozen corn
1 pound bag frozen carrots
salt and pepper, to taste

In large pot, cook bacon until crisp, set aside, drain grease. In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft. Do not brown. Add remaining ingredients and crumbled bacon. Cook until vegetables are tender, add seafood. Simmer and serve.

For your free "Make A Splash With Maryland Seafood" brochure containing seven recipes for an Autumn feast, send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to: Make A Splash with Maryland Seafood, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 or e-mail: ecclesjo@mda.state.md.us. Visit our web site at www.marylandseafood.org for more information about Maryland seafood, what qualities to look for in fresh fish, and recipes.