NELHA will host a series of fish farmers markets this spring and summer. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

MEDIA RELEASE

The non-profit group Friends of NELHA has announced it will host a sustainable Fish Farmers Market 2-6 p.m. Friday, March 26. Taking place at the LEEDS-certified Gateway Center at the Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii (NELHA), this unique Fish Farmers’ Market is the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

Sponsored by the county Department of Research and Development, the fish market will feature a variety of eco-friendly aquaculture products grown at the Natural Energy Lab. Big Island residents will be able to purchase seafood directly from the fish farms, including Keahole Lobster, Dungeness Crab, Kona Kampachi®, Big Island Abalone®, and sturgeon.

Fresh whole seafood, as well as cut fillets and prepared sashimi plates, will be available. Other products produced at NELHA will also be featured, such as desalinated deep seawater, Kona Sea Salt®, and algae products BioAstin® and Spirulina Pacifica®.

“The Big Island hosts some of the most innovative, sustainable aquaculture operations in the country,” said Guy Toyama, executive director of Friends of NELHA. “The purpose of the Fish Farmers Market is to provide NELHA tenants with a new venue to sell directly to the local community. Now, Big Island residents can purchase — fresh from the farms — locally-grown, premium seafood which has been proudly featured in some of the finest restaurants in Hawaii and the mainland.”

Locally-grown produce vendors are also invited to participate. For information on booth rental, contact Guy Toyama at guy@energyfuturehawaii.org, or 938-1017.

Four Fish Farmers Markets are planned in 2010 for the last Fridays of March, April, May and June. The debut market, on March 26, will also feature live music, a farmer presentation, and a chef demonstration by Olelo pa’a Faith Ogawa, with prepared seafood available for purchase.

A chef demonstration by Olelo pa’a Faith Ogawa is planned Friday, March 26. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)