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Whole Foods will no longer sell Maine lobster in its stores.
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Gov. Janet Mills said she and other lawmakers were “extremely frustrated” by the decision.
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Whole Foods cited concerns that fishing gear could harm North Atlantic right whales.
Whole Foods Market has announced it will stop selling lobster in the Gulf of Maine after other retailers boycotted shellfish in the state as a result of pressure from environmental groups.
Democratic Maine Governor Janet Mills, along with other state legislators, voiced their displeasure in a joint statement as a result of the grocery chain’s decision to halt the sale of lobster in the state.
“We are disappointed with Whole Foods’ decision and the Marine Stewardship Council’s suspension of the lobster industry’s sustainability certification continues to undermine the lives of hardworking men and women up and down Maine’s coast. I am deeply upset that I am.” I have read the statement.
The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, which represents the Gulf of Maine fishery, also called the decision “disappointing” in a statement. maine public.
Whole Foods told the Associated Press their decision was based on concern north atlantic right whale, a species of whale found off the east coast of the United States. A right whale can grow up to 52 feet in length and up to he can live up to 70 years.
Seafood Watch, an environmental monitoring agency run by Monterey Bay Aquariumraised concerns in September that the gear used to catch lobsters in Maine may pose a risk of entangling whales.
The Marine Stewardship Council then suspended certification of the Gulf of Maine lobster fishery in November. The suspension will take effect on December 15, according to the company. Go to press release.
The North Atlantic right whale is an endangered species, with fewer than 350 remaining. According to NOAA. Entanglement with fishing gear and collision with ships are the main causes of abnormal deaths of right whales.
In a statement to the Maine public, a Whole Foods spokesperson said the chain will continue to sell Maine lobster caught before the moratorium on the Gulf of Maine fishing certificate takes effect. .
Hello fresh and blue apron too stopped selling of Maine lobster in September, citing similar concerns.
Representatives for Whole Foods, the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, and the Marine Stewardship Council did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Read the original article at business insider