California market squid fishery nets MSC certification

The California market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) fishery, located off the West Coast of the U.S. state of California, has officially gained certification under the Marine Stewardship Council standard.

The fishery, which is the sole purse seine fishery specializing in squid in the U.S., started the MSC assessment process in 2022. Three companies, Del Mar Seafoods, Silver Bay Seafoods, and Lund’s Fisheries – as well as supplier Sun Coast Calamari, collaborated to start the process, which was conducted by independent certification body SCS Global Services.

A draft report on the fishery found that its average scores across the three main MSC principles were high enough to qualify it for certification. Now, following the appropriate process and a public comment period, the evaluation has officially found that the fishery qualifies for MSC certification, a press release from the three companies announced. 

“Over the course of 15 months, SCS Global Services assessed the California market squid fishery, evaluating its fishing practices, environmental impact, and management system against the best practices set forth by the Marine Stewardship Council,” SCS Managing Director of Seafood Jason Swecker said. “This MSC certification not only acknowledges the fishery's achievement but also highlights the industry's collective strides towards sustainability.”

The final report by SCS, the company’s release states, found that the fishery met standards for stock health, fisheries management policies, and minimal environmental impacts – which include minimal bycatch and ecosystem-based management strategies.

The three companies that collaborated on the MSC push celebrated the achievement and said it reflects the fishery’s commitment to sustainability.

"Aligning with two esteemed California squid producers, alongside SCS and MSC, reaffirms our commitment to the enduring viability of the California market squid fishery,” Lund’s Fisheries President Wayne Reichle said. “As pioneers in sustainable seafood, our legacy spans three generations, a testament to the dedication of our fishermen, plant employees, and valued customers. The MSC certification distinguishes us as the sole U.S. seafood producer engaged in harvesting, processing, and distributing all three MSC-certified domestic squid species."

The certification of the California market squid fishery adds to the list of squid fisheries certified to the MSC standard in the U.S. The U.S. Northeast Northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) obtained certification in 2019, soon after the Northeastern longfin inshore squid (Loligo paeleii) became the first squid fishery in the world to gain MSC certification.  

Photo courtesy of Lund's Fisheries