U.S. shellfish being shipped to Asia despite Chinese ban

OLYMPIA – Despite a Chinese ban on shellfish from the U.S. West Coast, the Washington geoduck industry is shipping off its product to Asia, with the top two destinations being Hong Kong and Vietnam.

The Washington state Department of Health issued a total of 757 certificates in January, the Kitsap Sun reported, more than double the 373 certificates issued in January 2013, when shipments were still going into China. These certificates are required to identify the shellfish-growing area and ensure that a given shipment of seafood is safe to eat.

Of the 757 certificates issued in January, 409 designated shipments into Hong Kong, while 243 designated shipments into Vietnam.