Clearwater Seafoods began with a simple connection to the water.
Founded in Nova Scotia in 1976 as a small local lobster retailer, Clearwater has spent the past 50 years building its business around the wild seafood resources of Canada’s Atlantic coast. Over that time, the company grew into one of North America’s major vertically integrated seafood businesses, involved in harvesting, processing, distribution and marketing while remaining headquartered in Nova Scotia. In 2026, Clearwater is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the Canadian seafood industry.
Canadian sea scallops are an important part of that story.
Clearwater is Canada’s largest sea scallop quota holder, harvesting wild scallops from the cold waters of the Canadian North Atlantic with purpose-built factory vessels. Rather than bringing the scallops ashore to wait for processing, crews shuck and dry-freeze them aboard the vessel within approximately one hour of catch. Nothing is added—no extra water and no chemical treatments—allowing the natural flavour, texture and quality of the scallop to remain the focus.
Once the vessels return to shore, the scallops are graded and packed at Clearwater’s Pierce Fisheries facility in Lockeport, Nova Scotia. The Canadian sea scallop fishery is also certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, reflecting the company’s long-standing focus on sustainable harvesting and responsible management of the resource.
Clearwater’s connection to Canadian seafood took on another important dimension in 2021, when the company was acquired through a partnership between Premium Brands and the Mi’kmaq Coalition, representing seven Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Clearwater describes the transaction as the largest investment in the seafood industry by an Indigenous group in Canada, and today proudly identifies Indigenous ownership as an important part of the company’s future.
For Fisherman’s Market, Clearwater is a natural fit for Caught Here. Bought Here.
