Local clams known as Meretrix lyrata which originate from the northern province of Nam Dinh successfully obtained their first Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification on December 15. 

The sustainable farming of Meretrix lyrata clams is part of a project that has been jointly implemented by Lenger Seafoods Vietnam, the International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS), the Nam Dinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with other relevant units.

Following one year on since the initial implementation of the project, Nam Dinh represents the first locality to receive an ASC certification for Meretrix lyrata clams, a factor which has made important contributions to elevating local clam products among the international market.

The nation’s Meretrix lyrate clams are currently popular in several foreign markets globally, including the EU, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, of which the EU market accounts for 52% of overall clam exports.

Despite these positives, the clam farming sector has also faced numerous challenges in recent times relating to technical barriers, quarantine issues, origin traceability, and the stringent requirements of certification systems.

According to statistics, the fisheries sector contributes over 3% of Vietnam’s total gross domestic product (GDP), with clams being one of the four key aquaculture products.