MA's Island Creek Oyster Farm Brings Craft Tinned Fish To US Market: Cheap Eats

NEW BEDFORD, MA — There was a time when New Bedford, Mass. was not only the leader of oceanic business in the state, but also was the "city that lit the world."

Though those days are long gone, a local business is making a push for New Bedford to serve as the hub for American-based tinned fish.

Island Creek Oyster farm, based in the Duxbury Bay, has launched a cannery of craft conservas, something officials say is the first of its kind in the United States.

Located in New Bedford, the 10,000 sq. ft. Island Creek Cannery will provide a "sustainable and affordable protein source for many, while also building value in American coastal communities by developing new markets for aquaculturists and fishermen; creating jobs for local people; and spreading awareness about New England seafood’s positive impact on our food systems nationwide," officials said.

The first cans produced in the cannery this year will feature hard shell clams grown by longtime Island Creek collaborators Cherrystone Aquafarm in Virginia. Island Creek will release shellfish grown and harvested by company founder Skip Bennett later this year.

Those offerings will include "Skip’s Surf Clams with Confit Garlic and Chili Arbol", "Wild Chatham Mussels in escabeche", and "Wild New England Razor Clams".

“We are firm believers that New England’s greatest assets are its coastal communities. The new Island Creek Cannery allows us to build the infrastructure we need to reposition canned seafood for US consumers in a way that will not only promote better access to responsible, healthy, domestic protein but also redevelop a major value driver for coastal communities--the American cannery,” said Island Creek Oysters President, Christopher Sherman.

The cannery is also a major deal for New Bedford, the city's mayor said.

“As America’s seafood capital, New Bedford is the fitting location for the country’s first cannery of craft conservas in the U.S.,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “Island Creek is a naturally renowned brand in the premium shellfish market and a leader in sustainable harvesting practices. We look forward to supporting them in this exciting new venture.”

The conservas, which will be stocked at the retail spaces in Duxbury and Portland, Maine, will range in price from $6 to $20. They can also be found online at the company website, linked here.