Taylor’s ASC certification covers seven species: Olympia Oyster, Kumamoto Oyster, Eastern Oyster, Pacific Oyster, Mediterranean Mussel, Manila Clam and Geoduck Clam © Tylor Shellfish Farms
With this milestone, Taylor Shellfish becomes the first and only bivalve farm in the United States to achieve ASC certification and just the fifth US farm in ASC’s global program, expanding the availability of premium ASC-certified and labeled shellfish for American consumers, chefs and retailers. The move reinforces the growing role of farmed shellfish in a food system increasingly focused on transparency, environmental performance and climate resilience. The certification covers seven species, including the geoduck clam which is currently the only ASC-certified geoduck in the world
“Taylor Shellfish becoming the first North American bivalve farm to achieve ASC certification should excite both industry and consumers,” said Erica Tardiff, market development manager at ASC, in a press release. “Research proves that today’s consumers are increasingly conscientious about sustainable seafood options and even more discerning around how those claims are backed up. Americans also continue to prioritise local seafood when possible, and now they have shellfish that ticks both boxes.”
As a vertically integrated operation, Taylor Shellfish harvests from the tidelands of Washington, supplying its four Seattle- and Samish-based oyster bars along with national distribution channels. This "tide-to-table" model provides a direct link between certified farming practices and the end consumer.
Taylor’s certification comes as ASC enters the fifth year of its major national marketing campaign in North America. In parallel, interest in shelf-stable seafood is accelerating. Taylor’s Ekone brand tinned seafood production is up 30 percent year over year, and the company is now in the process of adding ASC’s sea green label to its packaging as a way to further differentiate its market position and build shopper awareness.
“This certification reflects who we are and where the shellfish industry is headed,” said Wes Taylor, chief operating officer at Taylor Shellfish Farms. “We believe oysters can lead the way as a climate-friendly protein, and earning ASC certification reinforces our commitment to science, transparency and the long-term health of our waters and coastal communities.”
Farmed bivalves are recognised as one of the lowest-impact animal proteins available, as they require no feed inputs or fresh water – and act as natural filters for surrounding waters. As sustainability claims face increased scrutiny, the adoption of the ASC gold standard by major producers like Taylor Shellfish is expected to influence broader industry standards across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
