ALBUQUERQUE, NM--The New Mexico BioPark Society and Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico present the 9th Annual Rock the Boat Sustainable Seafood Festival at the Aquarium on Thursday, June 6 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. The festival features dozens of local chefs and their eco-conscious seafood creations. Guests will nibble on the best seafood around while learning about choices that are healthy for humans and oceans. Tickets are available online or from BioPark cashiers for $45. Organizers expect the event to sell out again this year.

"How do we satisfy our appetites and do what's right for the oceans? Every time we order seafood from a restaurant or buy fish from the grocery store, we leave a mark on ocean ecosystems," said Holly Casman, Aquarium Manager. "Fortunately, there are many delicious, sustainable seafood choices that make a difference in our health and the health of ocean life. Rock the Boat is a great way to learn about ocean restoration while enjoying the food we love to eat."

Attendees will sample offerings from local favorites: Corn Maiden, Farm & Table, Forque, Lucia, Marcello's Chophouse, Pelican's, The Rancher's Club, Savoy, Scalo, Seasons, Vernon's Hidden Valley Steakhouse, Zinc and the Aquarium's own Shark Reef Cafe. For those angling for sweet treats, New Mexico Pie Company, Van Rixel Brothers Gelato and Weekdays Restaurant are reeling in dessert.

Chefs will compete to wow the crowd and snag the "People's Choice Award." The winner will travel to New Orleans, LA to represent New Mexico at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. It will be the first time New Mexico will participate in the national competition, thanks to Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico.

Learn about the importance of sustainable seafood and where to buy it during this unique summer evening. Guests can also enjoy live music by Reviva!, cooking demos, wine sampling, an auction and a screening of the movie Jaws. This year's event is sponsored in part by Century Bank, Whole Foods and Nordic Naturals. For more information, visit www.RockTheBoatFestival.com or contact Shannon Ellefson at 505-764-6212.