The Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog fishery has become the first US clam fishery to enter Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment.
In 2014, the surfclams and quahogs harvest was valued at approximately $30 million and $22 million, respectively. They are important commercial species in the US, found in products such as breaded clam strips, minced clams, stuffed clams, chowders and bisques.
Mike Kraft, vice president of sustainability, Bumble Bee Seafoods, one of the processors supporting this assessment said, "Our customers and consumers care about sustainability and want to contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems by enjoying sustainably harvested surfclams and quahogs now, and in the future. We are confident that the MSC process will validate the sustainability of these well-managed and healthy fisheries.”
Landing ports for US Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog are New Bedford, Gloucester, and Fairhaven, Massachusetts; Warren and Bristol, Rhode Island; Point Pleasant, Atlantic City, Cape May, and Port Norris, New Jersey; and on occasion, Ocean City, Maryland. The processors supporting this assessment include Bumble Bee Seafoods; Sea Watch International Ltd; Lamonica Fine Foods; Atlantic Capes Fisheries Inc.; and Surfside Foods LLC.
The assessment will be conducted by SCS Global Services and will take around 18 months.
