Shellfish dealers in Canada are speaking out in support of a new surf clam quota set by the Canadian government.
Edgar Samson, CEO of Arichat, Nova-Scotia’s Premium Seafoods Group, and Martin Sullivan, CEO of Ocean Choice International of St. John’s, Newfoundland, both praised the move to increase the total allowable catch for surf clams on the Grand and Banquereau Banks to 52,000 metric tons.
“Premium has followed developments in this fishery very closely for a number of years and the company was convinced that there were sufficient scientific data to support a quota increase,” Samson said in a statement.
Both companies responded to Gail Shea (pictured), Canada’s minster of fisheries and oceans, announcing the changes to the quota.
“The decision to expand the offshore clam fishery will have very positive impact on rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia,” Sullivan said. “We would like to thank the government for listening to stakeholders by growing this fishery while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability of the resource.”
Both companies also noted the pending international Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement will provide even more opportunities to sell surf clams abroad.
