European (flat) oyster

In February 2013, the Dutch oyster fishery in the Grevelingen and Oosterschelde estuaries became MSC(EN) MSC:
Marine Stewardship Council, an independent, international non-profit organization that has developed an eco-label that guarantees well-managed, sustainable fisheries. Fish products that meet the criteria of the eco-label can be identified by the blue MSC logo.-certified. Despite the fact that these oysters are farmed, they received MSC certification because the farming process takes place in a completely natural and uncontrolled state. These oyster fisheries were certified after a team of scientists determined that there is no overfishing during the fishing and farming process and limited environmental impact. Since 2017, the oyster fishery in Limfjorden, Denmark, has also been MSC-certified. MSC-certified flat oysters are farmed in bottom cultureBottom culture:
The cultivation of shellfish on shallow banks in the sea. Bottom cultivation is used to grow mussels and oysters. Due to the natural food supply in the sea, the seed of the shellfish develops into shellfish suitable for consumption..

This species is the native oyster of Europe, also called Zeeland or flat oyster. Due to overfishing and oyster disease in the 1960s, the wild population of flat oysters in the Netherlands has all but disappeared. Zeeland oysters are still farmed in a few places in Zeeland, but most flat oysters come from France and Ireland. Farmed oysters do not require external feed because the farming process takes place in natural bodies of water. Oysters are filter feeders and can filter their own food from the water.

Oysters can be grown using bottom cultureBottom culture:
The cultivation of shellfish on shallow banks in the sea. Bottom cultivation is used to grow mussels and oysters. Due to the natural food supply in the sea, the seed of the shellfish develops into shellfish suitable for consumption., ropeRope culture:
Culturing schellfish on poles and/or wire nets that are hanging in the water column. Using feed from the sea water, mussels and other shellfish grow up to consumption size.   culture and tablestables:
The raised farming method consists of raising the oysters on a structure (table, floats or trays) installed on the substrate, on the foreshore. The oysters are placed in bags which are turned on a regular basis to prevent the proliferation of algae. This farming method is particularly widely used along the Atlantic coast, in Brittany and Normandy, due to the tidal systems. This farming method has no impact on the seafloor. and floats, trays and rafts. These farming methods have little impact on the ecosystem and cause little disturbance to the environment. No chemicals are used to farm this species in the wild.

The legal framework for aquaculture in Europe is strong and most social and environmental issues are addressed. The managementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured. of this species is largely effective.