The Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog fishery has become the first clam fishery in the U.S. to step forward for assessment to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) global standard for sustainable fishing. Working with scientists, the fishing industry and conservation groups, MSC has developed the world’s most credible and recognized standard for environmentally sustainable wild-caught seafood.
Iconic surfclams and ocean quahogs are important commercial species in the U.S, found in products such as breaded clam strips, minced clams, stuffed clams, chowders and bisques. In 2014, the surfclams and quahogs harvest was valued at approximately $30 million and $22 million, respectively.
If certified, these clams will be eligible to carry the internationally recognized blue MSC ecolabel, which provides consumers an easy way to choose seafood that can be traced back to a certified sustainable source.
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.”
Brian Perkins, MSC regional director - Americas, said: "The MSC’s vision is for oceans to be teeming with life for future generations. We welcome the U.S. Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog fishery’s decision to enter MSC assessment. This is an important milestone for the MSC and for fishing in the U.S.”
Landing ports for U.S. 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 independent assessment will be conducted by SCS Global Services, an accredited third-party conformity assessment body. SCS Global Services will assemble a team of fishery science and policy experts to evaluate the fishery according to the three principles of the MSC Fisheries Standard: the health of the stock of surfclam and ocean quahog; the impact of fishing on the marine environment; and the management of the fishery. The process takes around 18 months and is open to stakeholders. All results are peer reviewed and no decision is made about a fishery’s sustainability until after the assessment is complete.