Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick issued the following statement on Hong Kong lifting its ban on Canadian geoduck clams:

“The B.C. government would like to acknowledge the Government of Canada and support their strong commitment in reopening trade of Canadian geoducks to Hong Kong, and the opportunity for B.C. producers to resume sales in a key market.

“British Columbia looks forward to building on the $47 million in geoduck clam exports in 2014 and its top three export markets in China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

“B.C. has a diverse seafood industry. Geoducks are among 100 seafood commodities that provides economic development opportunities for our coastal communities. B.C.’s seafood industry employs thousands of people and is a very important part of our vibrant and diverse agrifoods sector.

“B.C. seafood is respected and desired worldwide as great tasting and sustainably harvested. The B.C. Government is committed to the socially and ecologically responsible management of B.C. fisheries.”

Learn More:

Centre for Food Safety (The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) news release: http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/press/20150519_0259.html

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Geoduck Fishery Information: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/commercial/shellfish-mollusques/geoduck-panope/index-eng.html

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098