Photo credit: Hama Hama Oysters
Environmental Policy
As shellfish farmers, we are in business with Mother Nature. A vibrant and healthy ecosystem is key to our success. Growers are environmental stewards, ever watchful for potential pollution and constantly monitoring changes in the marine ecosystem. Clean water and environmentally sound farming practices produce the finest quality shellfish in the world. Members of PCSGA are committed to the policies intended to protect and preserve the health of the environment in which they work.
PCSGA’s Environmental Policy is based on five principles that assure farming practices have the lightest touch on the estuarine ecosystem. We want to ensure future generations can grow shellfish, just as previous farmers have before them.
- Environmental Stewardship & Responsible Management
- Environmental Excellence
- Waste Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Sharing Resources
Environmental Codes of Practice (ECOP)
Shellfish growers recognize that clean water and a healthy environment are essential to farming. Growers, working with marine scientists and regulatory agencies, maintain an Environmental Codes of Practice based on the latest research and best management practices. The ECOP is updated periodically to keep current with advancements in science and culture technology. Producing a safe, sustainable and wholesome product is essential to the members of PCSGA. Clean water, a healthy growing environment, and careful handling and processing are all necessities. PCSGA members are committed to protecting our bays and estuaries to ensure a healthy supply of sustainably produced shellfish far into the future!
The ECOP is available to all PCSGA members, who are strongly encouraged to adhere to these best management practices. The ECOP was last updated June 2019.