Unlock the secrets to seafood literacy from sea to plate.

Build confidence, sustainability expertise, and professional credibility with this hands-on, online seafood cooking course designed with seafood authority and chef, Barton Seaver.
4 picture collage of seafood preparation from catch to seasoning to grilling to plating

Rouxbe Seafood Literacy

Self-paced, online culinary course | Community feedback
Elevate your culinary skills and professional value with Seafood Literacy: Knowledge & Techniques From Sea to Plate—a leading-edge online seafood cooking course developed by Rouxbe in collaboration with sustainable seafood expert Barton Seaver. Designed to build your confidence and competence, this self-paced, video-driven program teaches you how to source, prepare, cook, and serve seafood with precision, sustainability, and culinary flair.

You’ll explore every aspect of sustainable seafood—from responsible sourcing and handling to advanced cooking techniques like crudo, poaching, and en papillote. Perfect for food professionals, seafood retailers, and passionate home cooks, this course brings the full “sea to plate” framework into your kitchen—so you can lead with skill, sustainability, and confidence.
Course Overview
  • 6 units | 70 lessons
  • More than 150 instructional technique videos
  • Personalized instructor support and grading from industry-leading chef educators
  • Certificate of completion upon graduating (must be completed within 9 months)
  • Lifetime access (excluding monthly subscription purchases)
Recognized By
The ACF recognizes Rouxbe and this course as an approved program.
Credits Available From
  • This course is approved across the industry for 15 CE hours with ACFEF.
Syllabus
Click on image to access full syllabus. Content subject to change.

Choose the purchase option that works best for your needs

Enroll $299
Lifetime access with enrollment. Financing available at checkout.
Buy As A Gift
Give the gift of an experience.

Developed with Barton Seaver

Barton Seaver is one of the world’s foremost sustainable seafood experts, an award-winning chef, and the author of seven acclaimed books, including For Cod and Country, American Seafood, and The Joy of Seafood. A former executive chef at top Washington, D.C. seafood restaurants, Seaver transitioned from the kitchen to become a leading voice in sustainable food systems, working to connect the health of people, oceans, and communities.

His expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living, Saveur, Cooking Light, and Coastal Living, and he has appeared on CNN, NPR, 20/20, and the TED Talk stage. As the founder of the Coastal Culinary Academy, Seaver develops seafood-focused culinary education for cooks of all levels. He collaborated with Rouxbe to create the Seafood Literacy course, giving learners the skills to source, prepare, and enjoy seafood with confidence—while making choices that protect ocean health.

Seafood Literacy partnerships

What our community says about Seafood Literacy

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What to expect from your Rouxbe online cooking course:

All courses are 100% online and available 24/7
Learn at your own pace, on your schedule with any internet-connected device with a camera for assessments. 
Your chef instructors have 125+ years of culinary experience
Your chef instructors are here to support, answer your questions, and provide feedback on assessments.
Plan to spend
about 12-15 hours per week
To complete the course on time, expect to spend up to 12-15 hours per week.  The good news? Most of the time is spent cooking!
Set yourself up for success
Make sure you have (most of) the suggested tools and equipment on hand so you are ready to dive into the assignments. 
How to graduate
Complete your course in 9 months with a grade of 75% or higher and you will earn your Certificate of Completion.
Our active online community is here for you
With over 1,000,000 students worldwide, our exclusive online community is ready to support your journey during and after class

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Seafood Literacy course? The Seafood Literacy course from Rouxbe is an online, self-paced program designed to help cooks, chefs, and seafood enthusiasts build confidence in selecting, handling, preparing, and cooking a wide range of seafood. Developed with sustainable seafood expert Barton Seaver, it combines video instruction, practice exercises, and chef feedback.

2. Who is this course for? This course is ideal for culinary students, professional chefs, home cooks, and anyone who wants to expand their skills and knowledge about seafood—from purchasing and storing to cooking and serving.

3. How is this course different from other seafood or cooking classes? Unlike short cooking demos or recipe-based classes, Seafood Literacy offers a structured, comprehensive curriculum covering sourcing, sustainability, culinary techniques, and seafood safety, with hands-on practice and instructor feedback.

4. I’m new to cooking seafood. Will this course still be a fit? Yes. The course is designed for all skill levels, starting with the basics of seafood selection, handling, and storage before moving to advanced cooking techniques. Beginners will find step-by-step video guidance and practical assignments to build confidence, while experienced cooks can deepen their expertise.

5. Do I need to be a professional chef to take this course? No. While culinary professionals will find it valuable for career growth, home cooks will also benefit from the structured lessons, video instruction, and chef feedback.

6. Is this course recognized by culinary associations or industry bodies? Yes. Rouxbe courses are recognized by leading culinary associations, and this seafood program offers professional development hours for culinary professionals.

7. How long does it take to complete the Seafood Literacy course? Most students complete the course in 8–12 weeks, depending on their pace. The course is self-paced and provides lifetime access to all materials.

8. Is the course hands-on if it’s online? Yes. Students practice skills in their own kitchen, submit assignments, and receive personalized feedback from chef instructors—mirroring the experience of an in-person course.

9. What seafood types are covered? The curriculum covers fin fish, shellfish, mollusks, and crustaceans, including guidance on preparation and cooking techniques for each type.

10. Does the course teach sustainable seafood practices? Yes. Sustainability is a core component, teaching students how to choose responsibly sourced seafood and support healthy oceans.

11. Will I learn how to prepare raw seafood dishes like sushi or ceviche? The course covers safe handling and preparation techniques for raw and cured seafood, with a focus on safety and flavor. Professional-level sushi training is not included.

12. What equipment do I need? Basic kitchen tools such as knives, cutting boards, pans, and thermometers are required. Optional tools for filleting or shucking may be suggested but are not mandatory.

13. Do I need to buy specific seafood for the course? You can source seafood locally based on availability and budget. The course provides guidance on substitutions and sustainable options.

14. How is the course assessed? Assignments, quizzes, and practical exercises are used to measure progress. Chef instructors provide feedback to ensure professional standards are met.

15. Will I receive a certificate upon completion? Yes. Graduates receive a certificate of completion from Rouxbe, which can be shared with employers, added to résumés, or displayed in professional profiles.

16. Can this course help advance my culinary career? Absolutely. Seafood literacy is a valuable skill in hospitality, restaurants, catering, and food education, enhancing professional credibility and employability.

17. Do you offer refunds? Yes. Rouxbe offers a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the course within 14 days of purchase, you can request a full refund.

18. Is the course available worldwide? Yes. The course is fully online and accessible anywhere with an internet connection.

19. Can I purchase this course as a gift? Yes. Rouxbe offers gift enrollment options, ideal for aspiring chefs or seafood enthusiasts.