The certification was achieved by Loch Fyne Osyters Limited, who have been producing rope-grown mussels (Mytilus edulis) in Loch Roag on the Isle of Lewis for the last 20 years.
The ASC certification standard requires seafood farmers to meet performance indicators assessing both technical and social compliance, including demonstrating responsible farming that does not have adverse impact on the surrounding environment and ethical social practices. A certification from ASC is international recognition of a commitment to responsible aquaculture.
© Loch Fyne Oysters
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd Managing Director Cameron Brown said: “We are very proud to be the first blue mussel farmer in the world to receive this certification from ASC, which is recognition of Loch Fyne Oysters dedication and hard work to provide ethically grown and environmentally friendly mussels to our customers around the globe.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure our mussel product maintains a low carbon footprint and we strive to make a positive contribution to the local community and economy. With this certification, our customers around the world will have the confidence they are purchasing the best mussels, harvested under the best practices.”
© Loch Fyne Oysters
Esther Luiten, ASC’s Commercial Director, said: “I would like to congratulate Loch Fyne Oysters for their achievement to become ASC certified. It is great to now have blue mussels in the programme, and it shows the response to a growing market interest in responsibly farmed seafood.
“As part of a growing trend of farmers that benefit from the increased interest in seafood produced with care for the environment, workers and local community, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our programme to Loch Fyne Oysters.”
James Withers, Chief Executive Scotland Food & Drink, added: “I am delighted that Loch Fyne Oysters are the first company worldwide to have been awarded ASC certification for their blue mussels. This recognises the hard work of the Loch Fyne Oysters team and showcases the world-class standards in which Scotland’s producers operate under.
“In the recent Scottish food and drink strategy, Ambition 2030, we outlined our commitment to working in a responsible way. Scotland is proud to sustainably manage our seas and this fantastic news from Loch Fyne Oysters helps to build our global reputation as a world leader in responsible growth, helping to give Scotland’s producers a head start in markets throughout the world."
