A federal court has ruled that a group of lobster fishermen can proceed with a defamation lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the largest seafood watchdog organizations in the world. The dispute stems from a report that labeled Maine lobster as an unwise choice for consumers, raising concerns about the impact of lobster fishing on the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
In 2022, the aquarium’s Seafood Watch program placed lobster from the U.S. and Canada on its “red list,” which advises against eating certain seafood due to sustainability concerns. Following this recommendation, some retailers removed lobster from their shelves, which the fishermen argue harmed their reputation and business.
U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock ruled last month that the fishermen had a valid claim, stating that their industry suffered damage due to the aquarium’s report. Although the aquarium attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, Woodcock’s ruling allows the case to move forward. The aquarium has announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing its right to inform the public about seafood sustainability.
Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, called the ruling significant. She highlighted the long-standing commitment of Maine lobstermen to sustainable fishing practices and their determination to defend their livelihoods against what they see as unfounded claims.
The lobster industry is crucial to Maine’s economy, valued at over half a billion dollars last year. However, the fishing gear poses a serious threat to the North Atlantic right whale, which has fewer than 400 individuals left in the wild. The aquarium’s spokesperson, Emerson Brown, stated that the appeal aims to protect their ability to share important information with consumers about seafood choices.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between conservation efforts and the livelihoods of fishermen who have relied on lobster fishing for generations.