<P> While fish, lobster and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at your favorite seafood place sort of misses the point . Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential practice . </P> <P> The USCCB also states that: </P> <P> Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes . Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women . In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting . </P> <P> In 2010, Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Michael Aymond clarified that alligator is also considered seafood, saying "Yes, the alligator's considered in the fish family, and I agree with you--God has created a magnificent creature that is important to the state of Louisiana, and it is considered seafood ." This was in response to a letter from a local alligator wrangler . </P>

Who is allowed to eat meat during lent