Scallops produced by Acuacultura y Pesca Group (Acuapesca) on Tuesday received Friend of the Sea sustainability certification — the world’s first scallop harvest to earn the distinction.
Founded in 1990, the northern Peru company employs 480 workers and produces 2,000 metric tons of scallops (Argopecten purpuratus) annually.
Native to northern Peru, the species’ broodstock is harvested and induced to spawn in a laboratory, and then reintroduced in the region’s bays to grow out. The scallops grow on lines in cages.
No feed or drugs are used in the process, and fuel consumption is limited to the boats picking up the cages. Additionally, Acuapesca has committed to reducing its carbon footprint in the next year, and has been audited according to Friend of the Sea social accountability requirements.
“We are proud of having obtained the Friend of the Sea certification,” said Carlos Goldin, the company’s CEO. “We are glad to join this way an international group of companies enthusiastic about sustainability. We hope other scallop farmers in Peru will also apply for Friend of the Sea certification and share our efforts in conservation of the marine habitat.”
