MOBILE, Ala. - Gulf Coast seafood is getting a new marketing boost. The Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission (ASMC) on Friday announced a new regional advertising push to promote seafood sold by local businesses and harvested from Alabama’s coastal waters.

The plan involves driving up the demand for Alabama Gulf seafood, especially among visitors and residents, as well as restaurant owners across the region. The campaign will showcase coastal culture and showcase they variety of Alabama seafood available.

“Alabama seafood is second to none,” said Gov. Robert Bentley in a released statement. “Whether it’s fish, shrimp, crab or oysters, if you want good, fresh seafood, we have it here in Alabama. Alabama’s seafood industry is vital to our coastal economy.

“Choosing seafood from the Alabama coast means you’re choosing to support Alabama fishermen, tourism and other important industries in our state. The state’s seafood industry helps drive our coastal economy with an annual sales impact of approximately $390 million, and we encourage people to choose Alabama seafood.”

Bentley established the ASMC in March 2011. An earlier campaign created several years ago had touted the consumption of Alabama shrimp, which remains in competition with imported, pond-raised product.

Advertising through television, print, outdoor and online outlets will send consumers to eatalabamaseafood.com, where they will find tips on finding, catching and enjoying seafood from coastal Alabama waters. The website includes lists of restaurants, seafood retailers and distributors, and charter boat operators.

The website also includes a seafood field guide, chef profiles, recipes and event information.

“Our commission members represent all aspects of the Alabama seafood community, and the website harnesses all their knowledge and much more in one place,” said Chris Blankenship, director of the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and program administrator for the ASMC. “The campaign and website go a long way to share the coastal experience and to help consumers and retailers more easily access fresh, local seafood.”

ASMC is made up of volunteer members appointed by Bentley. They include fishermen, seafood processors, charter boat operators, retailers, restaurant owners and others directly and indirectly related to the Alabama seafood industry.

The three-year ASMC campaign is funded by a $5 million BP grant, and includes partnerships with events such as the upcoming Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores. The commission will sponsor a tent featuring fresh Alabama shrimp, oysters and fish during this weekend’s event.

Alabama Gulf seafood will also take center stage during the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in New York City next month. The spotlight is a partnership with Birmingham-based Southern Living magazine.

“We want people to experience firsthand the incredible taste of Alabama’s seafood product,” Blankenship said. “When they think about buying or eating seafood, we want them to remember that flavor and come back for more.”