June 3, 2010
Clearwater Seafoods boasts first Canadian lobster fishery to achieve MSC certification
Eastern Canadian Offshore Lobster is the newest addition to Clearwater Seafoods' family of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified offerings, joining Canadian Sea scallops, Argentine Scallops and Canadian Coldwater Shrimp.
This latest certification is scientific recognition these lobster, which have been central to Clearwater's global reputation as a premium shellfish producer, meet the strict environmental standards set by the MSC and are being harvested and managed in a sustainable and well-managed fishery.
"I am delighted the Eastern Canadian offshore lobster fishery has met the MSC standard and congratulate the fishers, management agency and Clearwater Seafoods on this successful certification," said Marine Stewardship Council CEO Rupert Howes. "This lobster fishery becomes the 8th certified Canadian fishery and the 82nd in the world. With increased demand for credible, certified, sustainable seafood choices around the world, I have no doubt that MSC recognition will add value to this fourth MSC-certified species for Clearwater Seafoods. I wish Clearwater every success."
Lobster has become synonymous with Clearwater in many of its markets around the globe.
"Lobster was our first offering when the business began over 30 years ago," said CEO Ian Smith. "The variety of species offerings has grown but lobster is still the iconic species of the company and continues to set the standard in our export markets."
"This is a good thing," Smith further explained, "Clearwater's reputation for hard-shelled, full-meated lobsters in our various export markets have set the standard for not just our other offerings but for competitors as well."
Clearwater's ongoing innovation in the lobster industry continues to set the standard.
"Dry land pounds made year round availability of consistent premium healthy lobsters a reality for restaurant operators half way around the globe in Japan and China. The use of innovative and proprietary meat-scanning technologies continues to set Clearwater apart in an increasingly competitive marketplace," said Smith.
Operating in a sustainable fashion has always been standard practice for Clearwater. The Eastern offshore fishery is the first north Atlantic lobster fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council certification.
Clearwater owns 100% of the off shore licenses - giving it sole right to carry and market the MSC certification.
"We're also committed to working with the inshore fishery to commit to help achieve MSC certification," added Smith. "That would be ideal. Our offshore catch is limited and the inshore fishery is a key component of our global lobster sales. In order for us to carry the MSC sustainability message on all our lobster offerings, the inshore fishery needs to become fully certified."
Clearwater believes Canadian lobster has been undervalued in the marketplace and hopes the new certification will improve differentiation and customer demand.