The Maine lobster fishery has received the prestigious international Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Sustainable Seafood certification.MSC certification recognizes ecologically sound practices, from the harvest through delivery to consumer. Certification provides a competitive advantage in marketing to the growing number of retailers and consumers around the world who place a premium on seafood harvested in an environmentally responsible, sustainable manner.
Maine Governor Paul R. LePage made the announcement at the Shucks Maine Lobster booth at the International Boston Seafood Show. "This global certification program will open new markets worldwide and just as important it will provide the means to trace our certified lobsters, no matter where in the world they end up, back to waters of Maine," he said.
Efforts to support marketing for the Maine lobster have received widespread support in the wake of last season when supply exceeded demand, resulting in the lowest per pound prices in over twenty years. "This places greater emphasis on the need for effective marketing and highlights the unique marketing advantage MSC certification provides," said LePage.
