Morecambe Bay Oysters celebrates ASC accreditation

The UK’s largest hatchery, part of the Associated Seafoods group, is now recognised as a leader in responsible practices.

The oysters are produced from the Walney Island hatchery and nursery and then grown to maturity in Morecambe Bay.

ASC is seen as one of the most 'robust and stringently audited standards in the industry', meaning Morecambe Bay Oysters will remain at the forefront of aquaculture.

The Associated Seafoods group also includes other brands such as Loch Fyne Oysters and Golden Shell Mussels.

The oysters are produced from the Walney Island hatchery and nursery and then grown to maturity in Morecambe Bay (Image: Supplied) Loch Fyne Oysters has also been granted ASC ‘chain of custody’, allowing its products to be tracked from source to customer.

The accreditation strengthens the position of the group as the UK's leading aquaculture business.

Victor West, managing director at Associated Seafoods, said: "Our ASC accreditation is a significant milestone for Morecambe Bay Oysters, and reflects our commitment to sustainable aquaculture.

"We hope our farming practices not only support the health of local ecosystems, but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the industry."

Aquaculture is facing growing challenges due to climate change, with frequent reassessment and adjustment of practices needed.

Morecambe Bay Oysters has adopted well-established standards to encourage self-regulation and improvement.

To achieve ASC accreditation, the business had to demonstrate that its farming practices do not negatively impact biodiversity or the ecosystems in which they operate.

Their farms do not use any harmful chemicals, and since marine life feed on naturally available plankton, no additional feed is required.

Mr West added: "With Morecambe Bay being an environmentally and ecologically significant location, our accreditation holds particular importance, as the area has several special designations due to its role in supporting diverse wildlife and habitats.

"We are proud to produce delicious and nutritious local food that showcases the best of British aquaculture.

To achieve ASC accreditation, the business had to demonstrate that its farming practices do not negatively impact biodiversity or the ecosystems in which they operate (Image: Supplied) "Our oysters reflect the rich marine environment of Morecambe Bay, and the importance of offering consumers a product that both tastes great and is responsibly sourced.

"These achievements would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from our committed team."

The success of its commercial operations across the brands enables the business to drive further sustainable initiatives.

These include the introduction of sustainable and genetically diverse organisms to mitigate the risk of non-native species spawning, and carbon footprint reduction through the natural filtration and growth cycle of the oysters.