Friend of the Sea on Friday announced it certified sustainable its first cockle product.
The cockles, from the Spanish canning company Frinsa del Noroeste, are raised in one of the bays of Galicia at the estuary of the Tambre river.
Production is very low impact, according to FOS, and is managed by the government and the producers association, Cofradias. A new working plan is established annually indicating the number of employees, harvest weight, maximum total catch and allowed harvesting tools. In addition, the government runs periodical analysis of environmental control parameters such as sediments and water quality.
"Frinsa already produces tuna and mussels certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea," said Carregal, Frinsa CEO. "Cockles are typical from Galicia and produced in harmony with the environment. We are proud they obtained this international sustainability recognition."