The 14 member companies of the American Scallop Association (ASA) participating in the client group are now eligible to display the blue MSC ecolabel on catch from this fishery.
The MSC certificate covers Atlantic sea scallops fished along the US Atlantic coast from Maine to North Carolina by limited entry federal permits. The fleet comprises all vessels with limited entry permits that direct their fishery for scallops and accounts for 95 per cent of the total US catch of this species.
Scallop fishing in US east coast waters dates back 120 years. Placopecten magellanicus is a large scallop that often reaches 100-150 mm in shell height and is treasured by seafood lovers as one of the tastiest delicacies from the ocean. According to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) data, the US Atlantic sea scallop fishery landed more than 50 million pounds of scallops in 2012 making it the highest value fishery in the United States.
The primary commercial markets are restaurants and retail outlets across the United States and European Union. Scallops are sold as meats either fresh or frozen and are available in many prepared foods. The commercial fishery is conducted year round under National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) management and all vessels shuck the scallops on board.
The fishery uses New Bedford dredge gear and consists of 348 vessels fishing out of many ports on the east coast. The two most significant landing ports are New Bedford, Massachusetts and Cape May, New Jersey.
Attorney John F. Whiteside, Jr., speaking on behalf of the American Scallop Association said: “The US Atlantic sea scallop fishery is the most valuable fishery in the United States and the success and sustainability of the fishery is due to comprehensive and careful management practices being implemented by all stakeholders in the fishery. We are pleased to receive documentation that the US. Atlantic sea scallop fishery is certified as sustainable under the MSC standard. It is an especially important accomplishment, which confirms that the members of the American Scallop Association are responsible stewards of the resource.”
“The MSC congratulates members of the American Scallop Association on gaining MSC certification for the US sea scallop fishery,” said Jim Humphreys, Fisheries Director for MSC Americas. “MSC certified scallops are highly sought after by chefs and consumers and they will appreciate this fishery’s newly certified status demonstrating, through a rigorous scientific process, its commitment to sustainability.”
