SeafoodSource is closely following the sustainable seafood movement by compiling a regular round-up of sector updates about sustainability initiatives and certifications.
- The Ben Tre clam fishery in Vietnam has achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the third time.
The fishery is co-managed by the Vietnam Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), as well as 11 fisher cooperatives in the Ben Tre province.
“Maintaining and re-recognizing the Ben Tre clam industry is due to the great efforts of the community of three coastal districts: Ba Tri, Binh Dai, and Thanh Phu,” DARD Deputy Director Nguyen Van Buoi said in a release. “The clam industry has made a positive and important contribution to the growth and sustainable development of the province, creating jobs for thousands of local workers and stable incomes for coastal communities. Our department will continue to support the community to maintain and develop MSC certification for Ben Tre clams – for example by protecting natural resources, researching to ensure compliance with the [MSC] Standard’s conditions, and by expanding export markets.”
The fishery was the first in Southeast Asia to obtain MSC certification in 2009 and was recertified in 2016, MSC said in a release. The recertification follows a 13-month assessment process by fisheries experts employed by conformity assessment body Control Union (UK) Limited.
- Seafood supplier Wright Brothers UK, which sells salmon, shrimp, shellfish, and trout, among other species, has endorsed the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) program and added it to its sourcing policy, according to the Global Seafood Alliance.
Wright Brothers UK provides seafood to more than 500 restaurants around the U.K. and operates three London-based restaurants and an at-home seafood delivery service: Wright Brothers at Home.
“At Wright Bros, we strive to source responsibly in the ‘Wright Way,’ so we are delighted to be able to add BAP certification to our sourcing policy,” Wright Brothers UK COO and Founder Robin Hancock said. “BAP standards’ four pillars represent our requirements for social welfare, food safety, animal welfare, and the environment for farmed seafood.”
- The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) launched its “Sea Green. Be Green. Summer Seafood Series” promotion, which will run from 29 May to 4 July and educate customers about the positive impacts of sustainable seafood farming.
The program will feature two iconic Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.-based seafood sellers – Kathleen’s Catch and Atlanta Fishmonger – and the series is the latest push in ASC’s multi-year campaign to build awareness of the benefits behind its sea green certification label.
“Today’s shoppers have questions about where their food comes from, how it was raised, and how it got to them,” ASC North America Marketing Manager Athena Davis said in a release. “ASC is ready to answer during Atlanta’s Summer Seafood Series. Together with our promotion partners, we’re eager to show responsibly farmed seafood’s journey from ‘farm to fork’ through delicious dishes, summer specials, and by raising awareness of how our own seafood choices can make a difference."
