WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today announced that the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board will receive $600,000 to help finance the Great American Seafood Cook Off, an event that showcases domestic seafood. New Orleans will be hosting the cook off for the fifth consecutive year from August 2-3.

"New Orleans is proud to be hosting the Great American Seafood Cook Off once again," said Sen. Landrieu. "With our robust seafood industry in the Gulf that contributes so greatly to the country's appetite for shrimp, crabs, oysters, and other seafood, I can think of no better place to showcase such a wide culinary range than New Orleans. I am so glad that we are able to invite people back to the Crescent City to remind them that while our recovery is still underway, New Orleans is as vibrant as ever."

The grant will cover the cost of the annual event for several years, ensuring that Louisiana's local seafood will continue to receive national attention. In addition, the event aids efforts to improve awareness and involvement in the seafood industry.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant," said Ewell Smith, the Executive Director of the Great American Seafood Cook Off. "It enables the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana to host this national event, which puts the spotlight on local, domestic seafood. An event like this showcases how important it is to buy local, domestic seafood in the various markets across the country."

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is giving the grant.