Second squid species gains MSC certification

A second squid fishery has been certified against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard, according to a release by the MSC. 

The successful certification of the U.S. Northeast Northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) makes it the second squid fishery in the world, and the region, to gain MSC certification. The assessment was executed by SCS Global Services, and was requested by Lund Fisheries, in Cape May, New Jersey; and The Town Dock, in Point Judith, Rhode Island. The two companies were also responsible for the first-ever MSC certification of a squid fishery, when they gained certification of the Northeast longfin inshore squid (Loligo pealeii) fishery. 

“The certification of the North Atlantic Illex fishery is very exciting for us and for sustainability-minded consumers,” Ryan Clark, CEO of The Town Dock, said in the release. “It has always been important for us to sustainably manage our squid fisheries, so a second MSC certification is welcome news. And now, we can offer our customers around the globe two certified sustainable USA squid species in Loligo and Illex.”

The shortfin squid species has a broad range that extends from the Sea of Labrador to the Florida Straits – a distribution largely influenced by water temperatures. The species is larger in size and has a slightly different flavor profile that the longfin squid, and has a short lifespan. 

“Sourcing and eating certified sustainable squid has never been easier,” Brian Perkins, Regional Director of the Americas for the MSC, said. “The fishery has demonstrated its hard work in sustaining the resource, and in meeting the MSC fisheries sustainability standard. We’re proud to have a second responsible squid fishery join the program.”

The fishery will remain certified until 2024, and will undergo annual audits within that timeframe.

“We are very pleased  to offer certified sustainable shortfin squid to our trusted customers and America’s  seafood consumers, ” Wayne Reichle, President of Lund’s Fisheries, said. “The Marine Stewardship Council certification demonstrates the integrity of our domestic seafood management and monitoring systems. We are working daily to sustainably manage our east coast squid fishery to the benefit of the resource, fishing communities, and calamari lovers everywhere.”