More information

Pacific oyster

Quality mark Cultivation
/Keurmerk Wild
Green
Second choice
Avoid
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General

Shellfish

Shellfish is a culinary term that is often used for several species of molluscs, gastropods, bivalves and arthropods. Some examples are the St. James shell, mussels, razor clams, oysters, cockles and whelks. Most shellfish live partly or fully buried into the seabed, mostly in sandy or gravelly bottoms. They feed by filtering nutrients out of the water. Seed and eggs are released into the water and fertilized externally. Most shellfish are hermaphroditic, they can be both male and female. There are many different shellfish species in the North Sea that are very much suitable for consumption. Fishing methods on shellfish include hand-picking, dredging or mechanic dredges (suckers).

 

Pacific oyster

Both the endemic flat oyster and the exotic Pacific oyster are farmed and fished in the Netherlands. The Pacific oysters was introduced after the endemic oyster disappeared in the 60’s due to overfishing and disease. The Pacific oyster quickly spread across north-western Europe and formed reefs in many places. The Pacific oyster is often sold under ‘creuse’ on the Dutch market.  

Pacific oyster

Crassostrea gigas
Origin

Atlantic Ocean, northeast (FAO 27)

Farming- / Catch method

Bottom culture (aquaculture)

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Explanation assessment

The Dutch oyster fisheries in the Grevelingen and Oosterschelde were MSCMSC:
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 in 2013. Despite being farmed, these oysters have 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 and limited environmental impact during fishing and farming. MSC-certified Pacific oyster is 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..

Pacific oyster

Crassostrea gigas
Origin

Atlantic Ocean, northeast (FAO 27)

Farming- / Catch method

Bottom culture (aquaculture), Tables, floats, trays and rafts (aquaculture), Rope culture

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Minder tonen Toon beoordeling
Source usage
Impact on the environment
Management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

Farmed oysters do not need 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. 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.

ASC label

Fish with the ASC label is farmed in a sustainable manner.

MSC label

Fish with the MSC label is caught sustainably.

Good fish

This fish is not being overfished or is being responsibly farmed, with minimal impact on the environment.

Second choice

This fish is a second choice. There are still some improvements to be made in this fishery or fish farm.

Avoid

Do not buy this fish. It's being overfished or the way it's farmed or caught has a negative impact on the environment.

Welfare

There is fish available of this species that is farmed or caught using high welfare standards.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. certified farms are doing a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability. A few species with this label are getting a better score on the VISwijzer.

Organic

Organic standards are the strictest when it comes to fish feed. They also require certain measures for animal well-being.

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