Clearwater Seafoods Inc. has achieved MSC certification of its Arctic surf clam fishery.
In combination with the certification of the Nova Scotia snow crab fishery last week, Clearwater now has a total of seven species certified by the MSC, completing the certification of all its core products.
Clearwater says it now has the widest selection of MSC-certified species of any seafood harvester worldwide.
The Arctic surf clam fishery operates year-round in Banquereau Bank off the coast of Nova Scotia and Grand Bank off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Clearwater has invested in and developed the Arctic surf clam fishery since its inception in 1986 and is the sole supplier for this product. The primary markets for Arctic surf clams are Japan and China, with a secondary market in the US.
The Nova Scotia snow crab fishery operates seasonally from early May to mid September on the eastern portion of the Scotian Shelf off Nova Scotia. The snow crab product is processed into clusters consisting of one side of the crab with legs and claw attached. It is primarily sold in the US.
“We are extremely proud that these two fisheries have achieved MSC certification. It is a significant milestone for our company and for the international markets that we serve,” said Christine Penney, vice president of sustainability and public affairs for Clearwater. “Clearwater’s commitment to sustainable harvesting practices is now independently verified as we provide the widest selection of MSC-certified species of any seafood harvester worldwide.”
