Oyster heavyweight Taylor becomes first ASC certified bivalve farmer in US 

Taylor Shellfish Farms has become the first Aquaculture Stewardship Council-certified bivalve farmer in the United States.

The ASC certification covers seven species: Olympia oyster, Kumamoto oyster, Eastern oyster, Pacific oyster, Mediterranean mussel, Manila clam and geoduck. Its geoduck – the world’s largest burrowing clam species – is currently the only ASC-certified geoduck in the world.

Taylor Shellfish Farms is North America’s largest oyster producer, and ASC said the accreditation significantly increases US availability of ASC-labelled shellfish at a time when retailers and foodservice operators are under pressure to substantiate sustainability claims.

As a vertically integrated shellfish farm, Taylor owns all of its shellfish products, which are harvested from Washington state’s tidelands and served across its four Seattle and Samish-based Oyster Bars, in addition to wider fresh and packaged distribution.

“Taylor Shellfish becoming the first North American bivalve farm to achieve ASC certification should excite both industry and consumers,” said ASC market development manager Erica Tardiff.

“Research proves that today’s consumers are increasingly conscientious about sustainable seafood options and even more discerning around how those claims are backed up. Americans also continue to prioritise local seafood when possible, and now they have shellfish that ticks both boxes.

“Taylor’s commitment to ASC certification is an enormous step in expanding regional ASC-labelled options for shoppers, diners and businesses looking to source and eat more certified seafood.” 

Wes Taylor, chief operating officer for Taylor Shellfish Farms, said: “This certification reflects who we are and where the shellfish industry is headed.

“We believe oysters can lead the way as a climate-friendly protein, and earning ASC certification reinforces our commitment to science, transparency, and the long-term health of our waters and coastal communities.”

Farmed oysters, mussels, and clams require no feed inputs, no fresh water and minimal land use - and as they grow, they naturally filter surrounding waters and convert ocean nutrients into food. This makes shellfish one of the lowest-impact animal proteins available and a powerful sustainability driver that supports both marine ecosystems and coastal economies.

“We believe true sustainability means caring for both people and the planet,” said Taylor Shellfish Farms’ marketing manager Jada Browns. “With rising demand for sustainable, locally produced seafood, this certification reflects where the oyster category is headed. ASC is the gold standard, and achieving it is meaningful validation of the work we do every day.”