First US shellfish farms achieves ASC certification

Taylor Shellfish Farms has become the first US grower to achieve responsible aquaculture certification for a farming operation in Washington State, The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced Tuesday at Seafood Expo North America.

“Taylor Shellfish Farms is dedicated to providing our customers with the freshest, highest quality shellfish available and doing so in ways that respect the environment, our communities and the people who work for us,” said Bill Taylor, CEO at Taylor Shellfish.

“We believe the ASC to be the gold standard for assessing shellfish farm performance, and we are very gratified to have completed the work to become the first farm in the U.S. to achieve this certification.”
“This achievement distinguishes Taylor Shellfish as an innovator in the seafood market and is proof of their strong commitment to responsible farming and good social practices,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO of the ASC.

“We are thrilled they have become the first farm in the United States to join the program. The U.S. is a hugely important market in terms of global aquaculture consumption and, by partnering with industry leaders such as Taylor Shellfish, we can make a strong case that responsibly farmed fish is better for business and better for the environment.”

Taylor Shellfish, based on Shelton- Wash received ASC Bivalve Certification for its operation in the South Puget Sound basic, which comprises the Hood Canal and the area south of the Tacoma Narrows, including Olympia and Shelton. The certification was achieved after an on-site assessment by independent auditors SCS Global Services.