STEVESTON SPOT PRAWN & SEAFOOD CELEBRATION

Spot prawns are like rock stars of the sea; people eagerly await their arrival and line up to purchase the sweet crustaceans during the brief harvesting season.

“Locals and visitors are licking their lips in anticipation for the return of the Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration,” says Ceri Chong, Tourism Richmond’s Director of Destination and Industry Development.

From May 16 to June 18*, the Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration offers freshoff-the-boat sales of spot prawns and more, a cooking demonstration, family-friendly activities, and Dine About, a delicious seafoodfocused citywide restaurant promotion.

Tourism Richmond has partnered with the Steveston Harbour Authority for the past three years to highlight the abundance of seafood local fishers sell at Fisherman’s Wharf.

This event is another reason to come to Steveston Village and stay a little longer.

“It’s a great chance to chat with friendly fishers, check out lots of additional catch-of-the-day seafood and soak up the authentic heritage atmosphere of Steveston Village. The historic home of Canada’s largest commercial small vessel fishing fleet, Steveston has long been the heart and soul of B.C.’s seafood sector.”

“It’s a great chance to chat with friendly fishers, check out lots of additional catch-of-the-day seafood and soak up the authentic heritage atmosphere of Steveston Village. The historic home of Canada’s largest commercial small vessel fishing fleet, Steveston has long been the heart and soul of B.C.’s seafood sector.”

“For most visitors, the spot prawn delicacies will be one of the biggest hooks. Before leaving the wharf, pick up a bag of the freshest and sweetest-tasting spot prawns you’re ever likely to try. They’ll only be available here as long as supplies last.”

Local fisher Justin Taylor is the founder and owner of Steveston Spot Prawns (not to be confused with the event’s name). His boat and numerous other fishers will head out to sea to satisfy the demand for the highly sought-after spot prawns and other seafood delicacies.

Our motto is the livelier they are, the fresher they are, and the better they’ll taste!

Most Steveston fishing vessels have fishing grounds ranging from the Gulf Islands to the Sunshine Coast and into Howe Sound, typically two to three hours of travel time away.

“Live wild-caught B.C. spot prawns will arrive daily from our fishing boat. We anticipate the season will open on May 15, so the first live prawns will be available for sale on May 16, but in very limited quantities after the shortened first day of setting gear. A full day's catch will be available on May 17 and every day after until the season ends which is typically a 30-to-40 day season. Catches could be limited on certain days due to stormy weather conditions or fishing vessel breakdowns,” Justin says.

“Compared to most prawns, the spot prawn is much firmer and crisper in texture, sweeter in taste and has a clean, cold ocean taste that separates it from all the rest.”

“When it comes to seafood, nothing beats a live product, and the shortest period from that seafood’s natural environment to the dinner table, the purer and more robust it will taste. So, ensure the spot prawns are alive and healthy looking, preferably snapping and jumping in your bag or cooler with a translucent shell colour. If you are unsure, you can see their gills moving and pulsing through the shell at the side of their head.”

Once purchased, keep them as cold and dry as possible. Do not add water or ice to your bag of prawns. Without aeration in water, the prawns can die (drown) in the water and may result in the meat being less firm when cooked. For best results, place your bag of live prawns in a cooler or cooler bag on top of a towel with ice or an ice pack below the towel. Leave the bag open so the prawns can breathe fresh air.

Visit Steveston Spot Prawns’ new social accounts for more information:

Instagram: @stevestonspotprawns

Facebook: facebook.com/stevestonspotprawns

On June 8, a Culinary Stage will be at Fisherman’s Wharf. Local chefs will demonstrate spot prawn and seafood recipes so buyers can purchase and prepare their own dishes at home. Chefs from Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant and Steveston Seafood House among others, will perform demonstrations.

Ceri says, “The Dine About promotion in June is a great way to enjoy local seafood and spot prawns. Seafood purchased from Steveston fishers will be featured in dishes, drawing diners to Steveston and Richmond restaurants.” Some of the participating restaurants include Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant, Bruno at Versante Hotel, Globe at YVR Fairmont Vancouver Airport and Little Mexico Cantina.

In addition, family-friendly activities are planned for June 8 outside The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.

Be sure to reserve June 8 and mark your calendar for mid-May when local fishers arrive at Fisherman’s Wharf with the first spot prawns of the season! The Dine About promotion takes place from June 1 to 16.

*At the time of print, Steveston Spot Prawn & Seafood Celebration dates and the full list of events are to be confirmed. Please visit StevestonSeafoodCelebration.com for the most up-to-date calendar of events.