Gov. Janet Mills Criticizes Whole Foods For Taking the Decision to Stop Selling Maine Lobster

• Whole Foods will no long sell Maine lobster in their stores. 
• Gov. Janet Mills said that she was “deeply disappointed” with the decision along with other lawmakers.
• Whole Foods expressed concern that fishing gear could harm North Atlantic right whales.

Whole Foods market announced it would stop selling Gulf of Maine lobster. This was in response to the pressure from environmental groups. 

The grocery chain decided to stop selling Maine lobster. Janet Mills, Democratic Maine Governor, and other state legislators expressed their frustration in a joint statement.

“We are disappointed in Whole Foods’ decision, and deeply frustrated that The Marine Stewardship Council’s suspension o the lobster industry’s certification of sustainability continues to damage the livelihoods of hardworking women and men up and down Maine’s coastline,” the statement reads. statement read.

The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, representing the Gulf of Maine fishery called the decision “disappointing” by a statement. Maine Public.

Whole Foods told the Associated PressTheir decision was based on concerns about North Atlantic right whalesA species of whale that can be found off the eastern coasts of the US is the. Right whales can grow up to 52 feet long and live up 70 years. 

Seafood Watch is an environmental watchdog that is run by the Monterey Bay AquariumIn September, the fishermen caught Maine lobsters with their fishing gear were cited as a concern by the whales. 

The certificate for the Gulf of Maine lobster fishery was then suspended by the Marine Stewardship Council in November. According to the Marine Stewardship Council, this suspension will be in effect from December 15. to a press release.

The North Atlantic right whales are endangered, with less than 350 left. according to NOAA.Right whales are most commonly killed by collisions with ships and fishing gear.

Whole Foods spokesperson told Maine Public that they would continue to sell Maine lobster caught prior to the suspension of the Gulf of Maine fishery certificates.

HelloFresh also offers Blue Apron stopped the saleConcerns similar to those expressed by the Maine lobsters in September.

Insider asked for comment from representatives of Whole Foods, Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, as well as the Marine Stewardship Council.