Lobster Fishermen Say Seafood Watch’s Red Listing Hurts Their Livelihood
Maine’s lobster industry doesn’t back down from a fight. Fishermen work hard every day, hauling traps, braving the cold, and doing their part to protect the ocean. Now, they have to defend their industry against an attack from a California-based conservation group.
Seafood Watch put Maine lobster on its red list. They claim lobster fishing threatens the North Atlantic right whale. They tell restaurants and grocery stores to stop selling Maine lobster. Some companies listened and pulled lobster from their shelves. That hit the industry hard. Fishermen lost sales. Businesses lost customers. People lost trust in an industry that has existed for generations.
Lobster Industry Wins First Legal Battle as Judge Sides with Fishermen
The Maine Lobstermen’s Association fought back. They filed a defamation lawsuit against Seafood Watch. The Association argued that Seafood Watch spread false information. They claimed that Maine’s lobster industry follows strict rules to protect whales. They said the red listing caused financial harm.
Judge John Woodcock agreed with the lobstermen. He ruled that the case should move forward. Woodcock said that reputation and goodwill cannot be replaced. He acknowledged that as long as the red list warning remains, the lobster industry suffers real damage. That ruling kept the lawsuit alive. Seafood Watch tried to dismiss the case, but the judge refused.
Lobster Fishermen Say They Follow Rules and Protect the Ocean
Maine has some of the toughest fishing regulations in the country. Fishermen changed their gear. They adjusted trap lines. Fishermen follow every new rule to reduce risks to whales. They say they aren’t the problem. They argue that no right whale deaths have been linked to Maine lobster gear in nearly 20 years.
Patrice McCarron, director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, says lobstermen are stewards of the ocean. They live by the water, rely on the water, and protect the water. Lobstermen aren’t villains. They don’t deserve to be blamed for something they work hard to prevent.
Lobster Industry Pushes Back Against Conservationists’ Claims
Seafood Watch stands by its decision. They claim they have the right to issue recommendations. All of them argue that the lobster industry still poses a risk to right whales. They say they want to help consumers make informed choices.
Fishermen aren’t buying it. They say Seafood Watch isn’t telling the whole story. All of them believe that red listing their industry is irresponsible. They argue that Seafood Watch ignored the efforts made to protect whales. The fight is far from over.
Lobster Lawsuit Continues as Maine’s Fishermen Defend Their Future
The lawsuit is just beginning. Fishermen won’t back down. The industry depends on fair treatment. The court will decide if Seafood Watch crossed the line. Until then, Maine’s lobstermen keep working, keep fishing, and keep fighting.
