Rockfish are considered a best bet when choosing sustainable seafood, but that wasn't always the case. On the recent episode of Emeril Green, Emeril discusses the serious overfishing problem that plagued the Chesapeake Bay just two decades ago. In the 1980's, overfishing led to a government imposed five year moratorium on catching rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay. In fact, a moratorium on catching rockfish was almost put into place along the entire Atlantic Coast.

A healthy shoreline is the last line of defense against the transfer of pollution from the land into bodies of water. A well maintained shoreline is key to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Fortunately, environmental efforts over the past several decades have helped the Chesapeake Bay to recover.

Today rockfish, often called striped bass, are back in full force. They're an excellent choice when it comes to picking the most sustainable seafood. In fact, 75 percent of the rockfish on the east coast now come from the Chesapeake Bay. Emeril suggests pairing rockfish with local clams for a truly eco-friendly seafood feast.

Watch the Rockfish Recovery Video!