November 29, 2022 — Maine’s political leaders are trying to avert a nationwide boycott of American lobster over the industry’s potential impact on critically endangered north Atlantic right whales.
Whole Foods recently announced it will stop selling lobster caught in the Gulf of Maine at hundreds of its retail stores across the country. The company cited concerns raised by sustainability groups, including the Marine Stewardship Council, which has withdrawn its endorsement of the U.S. lobster industry.
The move prompted a terse response from Gov. Janet Mills and members of Maine’s congressional delegation, who criticized the decision, and urged national retailers not to pull lobsters from their cases.