Seafood can be difficult to source, intimidating to prepare and a challenging to catch. Want to become an expert instead of remaining curious?

Seafood Savvy, a new series of educational events focusing on all aspects of Gulf seafood, is coming to the Windmill Market in downtown Fairhope once a quarter.

Seafood Savvy will connect consumers with the scientists, fishermen, processors and chefs who are experts about a particular species of Gulf seafood.

The event will be free to the public — its organizers hope the experience will give consumers a new appreciation and understanding of the bounty of our local waters.

Each quarterly event will focus on a different species. The first event will be on July 25 and will feature the blue crab.

Marine biologist Bill Walton of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will give an overview of the blue crab, and Dana Taylor of Dana’s Seafood of Bayou La Batre will give guests an in-depth look into the crab industry.

Beth Walton of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium will introduce attendees to the MarketMaker program, which helps connect consumers with local fishermen, farmers and restaurants.

Finally, Chef Steve Zucker of Compleat Angler will demonstrate how he prepares his famous West Indies Salad, and guests will have the opportunity to try it for themselves.

At the end of the evening, guests will have the opportunity to purchase fresh, local crabmeat to take home and prepare for their own families.

• WHAT: Seafood Savvy, a seafood education series
• WHEN: Quarterly; first event July 25 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
• WHERE: Windmill Market, corner of Bancroft and Equality streets.
• COST: Free
• FOOD: Complementary light hors d'oeuvres provided by Sweet Olive Bakery
• DRINKS: Cash bar, beer and wine