The move by Whole Foods to cease selling Maine lobster was applauded by environmentalists but infuriated lawmakers.
The upscale supermarket chain removed lobster from the Gulf of Maine from the menus of hundreds of its locations nationally, citing the withdrawal of support by two sustainability organizations for the United States lobster fishing sector.
The groups, Marine Stewardship Council and Seafood Watch, expressed alarm on the threats presented by fishing gear to the imperiled North Atlantic right whale. The population of whales is believed to number approximately 340.
Last week’s announcement of the decision infuriated Maine, which has the nation’s largest lobster fishing sector.
In a joint statement, Governor Janet Mills and the state’s four congressional members expressed their worry over the impact on the lives of local fishermen and supported the state’s fishermen, stating that they have been devoted to sustainability and safeguarding right whales.
Politicians asserted, “The Marine Stewardship Council, with merchants following suit, erroneously and naively opted to accept the advice of misguided environmental organizations instead of science.”
Whole Foods stated that it is “dedicated to collaborating with suppliers, fisheries, and environmental advocacy groups as [the situation] evolves.”
»Whole Foods shocks Maine legislators with plan to discontinue selling lobster«