Canada’s Bay of Fundy and surrounding fishing areas have earned Marine Stewardship Council certification for its sea scallop fishery.
The fishery was entered into assessment by the Full Bay Scallop Association (FBSA) and the Atlantic sea scallops are now eligible to bear the MSC eco-label.
The fishery’s harvest strategy conforms to Canada’s legislative and policy developments in conservation and sustainability objectives that are intended to manage the health and productivity of Canada’s fisheries while protecting diversity and habitat. The Conformance Assessment Body (CAB) included an action plan that directs the fishery to contribute additional data and information from the fishery and about marine ecosystem impacts over the life of the certification that will help inform managers and regulators.
The sea scallops are landed fresh and sold fresh and frozen in markets primarily in Canada and the United States. Landings by the FBSA fleet in the 2010-2011 season were 1,047 metric tons.
“Sea scallops are highly favored by chefs and home cooks across North America and around the world,” said Kerry Coughlin MSC Americas regional director. “With MSC certification, the FBSA fishery becomes and additional source of this delicious and delicate seafood that consumers can enjoy knowing it can be fully traced back to a certified sustainable fishery.”
“The Full Bay Scallop Association is very proud to achieve MSC certification for the Full Bay Scallop fishery which has taken place for over 100 years. The Full Bay Scallop fishery will continue to be fished sustainably and will continue to be well managed into the future,” said Dick Stewart FBSA manager. “Now the whole world will know that the Full Bay Scallops are not only of the highest quality, but also sustainable for another 100 years. We wish to thank the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Province of Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for their tremendous help with achieving this certification.”
