The Maine lobster industry is seeking to have its lobster certified as sustainable by the London-based Marine Stewardship Council, AP reports. Fisheries certified as “sustainable” can use the council’s blue ecolabel.
If given the choice between an Australian lobster with an MSC seal or a Maine lobster without, consumers might go for the certified product, said Dane Somers, executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. And chefs at upscale restaurants could be more inclined to put certified seafood products on their menu.
Wal-Mart, Target and Costco are among the chains that have committed, in one form or another, to selling seafood that is sustainable down the road.
Last month, Whole Foods announced the first certified-sustainable tuna fish to hit the market.
Wegmans Food Markets and Environmental Defense recently announced a purchasing policy for farmed shrimp.