Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab fishery been awarded the MSC certification for sustainably managed fisheries
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”.
 |
| Martin Sullivan |
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.
 |
| Snow crab adds to a family of MSC certified fisheries that include Canadian inshore and offshore northern shrimp |
“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.
 |
| OCI's Marystown processing plant |
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.