The Goods from Ocean Wise

Vancouver, BC | Each month the Ocean Wise Seafood Program picks one seasonal item and explains what makes it a smart choice for seafood-lovers. In this edition, we focus on what to seek out during the month of April…

Which seafood do you currently recommend?

Pacific Geoduck (Panopea generosa), diver caught, BC.

What makes this particular item Ocean Wise?

This recommendation was made using updated data via Ocean Wise’s new Rapid Assessment Standard.

Diver-caught Pacific Geoduck are harvested in a highly selective manner. Each Geoduck is selected individually, eliminating the risk of catching the wrong species (bycatch) or harming the environment.

Geoducks are a type of clam! This means they are filter feeders, cleaning the water as they feed. Inputs required for growth are really low and they are considered a “low trophic” species. Eating low trophic species – or species lower on the food chain – is typically better for the environment.

Pacific Geoduck are native to BC’s coast.

They spawn frequently, keeping population levels at a healthy level. Pacific Geoducks have had healthy stock numbers for the last few years and are covered under an integrated fisheries management plan for 2023 and 2024 (effective and adaptive management are one of Ocean Wise’s criteria!)

They are harvested year round, so there’s always an option to get them fresh.

Where to find it:

Check out the Ocean Wise Seafood partner map for an Ocean Wise partner near you!

What is Sustainable Seafood?

Ocean Wise Seafood® recommends both farmed and wild seafood options that follow these criteria:

1. Harvesting that ensures healthy and resilient stocks and populations.
2. Effective and adaptive management.
3. Limited negative impacts on habitats and other species.

About the Ocean Wise Seafood Program | The Ocean Wise Seafood Program, founded in 2005, was created to make it easy for everyone to choose sustainable seafood. With over 750 partners in more than 3,000 locations across Canada, we can all do our part to protect the long-term health of our oceans, lakes and rivers. Thanks to our national team of scientists as well as a global network of experts, our recommendations are based on the most up-to-date science.