St. John’s, NL – Ocean Choice International (OCI), as a member of the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), has received official notice that the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery has completed the certification process and been awarded the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainably managed fisheries.
“We take great pride in ensuring all our fisheries operate in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Martin Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of OCI. “We continue our efforts to make OCI a global leader as stewards of our oceans and marine environment”.
For OCI, MSC certification of Snow Crab adds it to a family of MSC certified fisheries that include: Canadian inshore and offshore northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and striped shrimp (Pandalus montagui), OCI Grand Bank yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea), Eastern Canada offshore scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) and Scotia-Fundy Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). “We now have about 80% of the fisheries that make up OCI’s supply base MSC certified”, said Sullivan, “This puts OCI in a very unique leadership position that shows how, as a vertically integrated seafood company with extensive quotas and our own fishing fleet, we are totally committed to responsible fisheries management and sustainable fisheries.”
MSC certification of fisheries and products is a science-based recognition that both a fishery and the fishing practices are sound and well managed. OCI’s customers recognize not only the availability of more certified products from OCI but also the leadership that OCI has shown. “Our customers worldwide acknowledge the importance of sound fisheries management and with the addition of Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab to our growing list of MSC certified fisheries they can rely on us for a full portfolio of MSC certified products”, said Sullivan.
“Our future is tied to the sea and by taking a lead role in fisheries management and sustainability we ensure our future success,” noted Sullivan.
About OCI
Ocean Choice International is one of Canada’s leading vertically integrated seafood harvesting, processing and marketing companies with operations throughout Atlantic Canada, and sales and marketing offices around the world. As one of Canada’s largest wild fish quota holders, OCI is a leader in fishing and processing technology and market development.
Source: Ocean Choice International (OCI)
