We are proud to harvest premium, sustainable seafood – using the safest, most responsible, and innovative practices in the world.
Clearwater is dedicated to a sustainable and healthy lobster fishery because this is the foundation on which future success is built. This is about more than just business. It is the intersection of the three pillars of sustainability – ecological integrity, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.
Our sustainability efforts include evaluations that involve rigor, science, and independent review. We collect data and apply rigorous scientific analysis before making decisions.
The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) conducts annual stock assessments of the resource. Stock assessments include government survey data and data collected by the fishery.
Our vessel is constantly monitored by the DFO via satellite tracking. We are the only lobster fishery in Atlantic Canada that has >10% at-sea observer coverage and we report the location of all of our traps, the number of days they have been set, as well as the catch through a detailed logbook for every trip. Our landings are independently verified through 100% dockside monitoring and data on every fishing trip is submitted for government oversite.
The Eastern Canada Offshore Lobster fishery was the first lobster fishery in North America to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. While the offshore fishery will voluntarily exit the MSC program at the end of 2020, the sustainability measures that were in place for 10 years of successful certification continue to be in effect.
We have worked hard on initiatives like eliminating the long-standing industry practice of storing non-fishing gear at sea. We’ve also reduced the total amount of gear we deploy by 50% since 2013. We have completed the first phase of an independent research project to evaluate the impact of gear tending times. This initial research, carried out by an independent contract scientist using DFO data, demonstrates no increase in bycatch with soak times greater than 72 hours.
We are working with the DFO to continue the scientific study on gear tending times. The next phase of the research will collect a year’s worth of data based on prescribed scientific methods informed by external scientists. We are committed to sharing the findings of this work so that the results can inform the management of the fishery.
We also recognize the risk of entanglements to marine mammals, especially the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. The risk to whales from our operations is already very low, but we continue to actively work with gear manufacturers to determine what other innovations can be made to further reduce risk.
Clearwater has been committed to sustainability since its inception in 1976. With the stability of access that comes from rights-based fishing management, Clearwater has invested heavily in modern fishing practices, scientific research and automation to ensure that the most sustainably harvested, highest quality, wild seafood reaches our customers.
We understand that ocean health and a sustainable fishery is the only way forward for Clearwater and its over 1,900 employees in offices, plants and vessels around the world. The offshore lobster fishery supports 258 direct jobs, primarily in Shelburne county in southwestern Nova Scotia and in Richmond county in Cape Breton.
On board the Randell Dominaux, Clearwater’s offshore lobster vessel, 33 full-time, year-round crew receive pension and health benefits as well as career development opportunities. We strive for the safest working environments in the Canadian fishing fleet.
We wish to leave a legacy for future harvesters and support opportunities for young crew.
