Clearwater Seafoods announces fish crew certification for its fleet

Clearwater Canadian clam fleet vessel, the Anne Risley, FISH crew certified. (CNW Group/Clearwater Seafoods Incorporated)

HALIFAX — Clearwater Seafoods announces that seven vessels within its Canadian fleet have been certified using the Fish Standard for Crew, an independent, third-party certification program for labor practices on fishing vessels. The certification was awarded after extensive policy and procedure review was conducted, as well as on-site vessel inspections, and face-to-face interviews with crew members by the independent auditors.

“Clearwater’s people are truly our greatest asset, and this begins with our vessel crews at-sea who are harvesting our species,” said Christine Penney, Vice President Sustainability and Public Affairs. “We are very proud to be the first Canadian company to achieve FISH certification, a testament that is consistent with Clearwater’s ongoing commitment to our people, from ocean to plate.”

FISH certification seeks to improve the conditions for vessel crew and to serve as a credible tool that organizations in today’s seafood industry can use to validate their commitments to their employees.

“Achieving FISH certification demonstrates to our customers and industry stakeholders that our fleet has achieved the highest levels of performance as it relates to treatment of crew, compensation, and onboard conditions,” said Christine Penney, Vice President Sustainability and Public Affairs. “With increased efforts by industry, governments and civil society to ensure ethical labour practices throughout global supply chains, FISH certification is an important tool to provide transparency and assurance within seafood supply chains.”

Clearwater’s FISH certified fleet of seven vessels is comprised of clam, lobster, and scallop harvesters, operating in the Canadian North Atlantic.