Why are Penn Cove Shellfish a Sustainable Seafood ?
Sustainable - To paraphrase Aldo Leopold, sustainable means taking resources from the environment only if it does not disturb the "integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community," and doing so in such a way that our world can naturally replenish itself. All that this planet has to offer has to be maintained to ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.
Mussel rafts create habitat in the marine ecosystem - The ecosystem services and biodiversity resulting from the expanded habitat is a positive feature of shellfish farming. Herring, smelt, shrimp, seals and seabirds are just a few of the many species of marine life thrive living in and around our mussel rafts and lines.
Improves water Quality- A single mussel can filter up to 15 gallons seawater per day. The algae consumed by the mussels feeding removes nitrogen and other nutirients, which in excess may cause for too much algae to grow and then crash thereby creating low dissolved oxygen problems. When the algae is consumed by the mussels, the water quality clarity and quality also improve by allowing more sun to penetrate into the water, which then creates a better environment for sea grasses and benthic species. Thus more food and habitat for the entire ecosystem.
Nothing added, everything gained - We do not feed, fertilize or use any drug on any of our shellfish. All we do is provide our shellfish a safe habitat and room to thrive.
Water quality - The water quality of Penn Cove and Quilcene Bay are consistently monitored for pollution and naturally occurring harmful algae blooms. Our over sight and dependence on clean water over the last 36 years have helped to insure our water quality for the long term. Addtionally, our two facilities are located over 40 miles apart, so we are always assured of a continuous supply of clean, healthy product.
No invasive species - Since we only work with indigenous or naturalized species, there is not a threat of non-native life forms being introduced to marine ecosystem.
Traceability - Penn Cove Shellfish are double tagged with the harvest date and area harvested. With our double tagging it allows one to be removed for record keeping and one to remain with the shellfish bag at all times until fully used. You can be assured that your sustainable shellfish from Penn Cove are always HAACP certified through our shellfish safety tagging system.
To find out more check out our website sustainability page.
