Clearwater Seafoods Inc., Canada, announced more than $5 million in new investments in its Arctic surf clam fishery. The investments in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and Grand Bank, Newfoundland, will add new jobs, processing capacity and spur continued sustainable growth of the fishery.

"Today's investment is good news for local jobs, domestic seafood processing capacity and those looking for the very finest wild-caught surf clams from Atlantic Canada," says Ian Smith, chief executive officer. "With this investment, Clearwater will continue to expand the export market for wild-caught Canadian seafood and build on its global leadership in sustainable seafood excellence." 

A $2 million investment will establish clam processing capacity at Clearwater's Highland Fisheries facility in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. This investment will turn a seasonal crab plant in Cape Breton into a year-round seafood processing operation providing 36 full-time jobs, with additional seasonal employment during the peak crab production season.

An additional investment of $3.6 million will be made in Clearwater's existing Grand Bank, Newfoundland, facility to increase grading and processing, improve infrastructure and expand production of additional value-added product formats. This facility will continue to be Clearwater's primary clam processing operation, with the Highland facility supporting the requirement for additional grading and packaging capacity.

"Through investments in these facilities and communities, Clearwater will increase production, create quality employment and new and innovative product formats to drive global growth of Arctic surf clams," adds Smith. "These investments are the latest step in Clearwater's strategy to build the world's most extraordinary wild seafood company, proudly pioneered from Atlantic Canada. It begins with respect for the oceans, ongoing investments in science, innovation and vessels, as well as responsible, well-managed harvesting practices. This is further enhanced by world-class processing, marketing and sales to create a true export success story all Atlantic Canadians can be proud of."

Clearwater developed the Arctic surf clam fishery in the mid-1980s, purchasing all three licenses over the history of the fishery in DFO-approved transactions. The Arctic surf clam fishery is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified.