WHY MSC CERTIFICATION FOR MAINE LOBSTERS?

Consumers are in charge: More and more, consumers are making informed choices in the food they buy and eat. Those choices are influencing retailers, whose decisions then influence suppliers. 

Consumers are concerned about the environment: Polling shows that 37% of consumers have avoided seafood due to environmental concerns.

Consumers respond to labeling: 71% of consumers indicate that seeing an "environmentally responsible label" would make them more likely to purchase a particular seafood item. That's why you're seeing more and more "eco-friendly" labeling on products, whether it's the "EnergyStar" label on appliances or the "Dolphin Friendly" label on cans of tuna. These labels carry clear, direct messages for the consumer that they are buying a product that does not harm the environment or other species of fish.

Big Buyers and Major Retailers are On Board: Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have committed to 100% MSC labeling by 2011. They have even pledged to take canned albacore tuna off their shelves if it is not MSC certified. Other retailers have followed: Whole Foods and Target have committed to sourcing MSC certified fish, and European retailers in particular are committed to buying and selling only MSC certified seafood.

Bottom Line: Without MSC certification, seafood suppliers could find themselves shut out of major markets both here in the US and overseas.

The Trend is Clear: There are already 32 MSC certified fisheries in the world and another 79 are undergoing full assessment. These include Western Australia Rock Lobster, Oregon Pink Shrimp, Alaska Salmon and Canadian offshore lobster (2009)

Obtaining MSC certification of the Maine lobster industry will:

• Ensure that the Maine lobster industry maintains its competitive position in world markets
• Leverage existing leadership in sustainability to build trade with key buyers (we know that Maine lobster already practice sustainable fishing methods, we just need third-party confirmation)
• Protect and enhance the Maine Lobster brand