Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Lobster
Introduction
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Lobster is a program that aims to promote sustainable fishing practices in the lobster industry. The program provides guidelines for consumers, retailers, and restaurants on which types of lobster are caught using sustainable methods and which should be avoided.
What is the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program is a nonprofit organization that evaluates the environmental impact of fishing practices and provides recommendations to consumers, retailers, and restaurants on which types of seafood to buy and which to avoid.
Why is Lobster Fishing a Concern?
Lobster fishing can have a significant impact on marine ecosystems. Lobster traps can unintentionally catch other marine species, and certain types of traps can damage the seafloor. Additionally, overfishing can lead to a decline in lobster populations, affecting the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry.
How Does the Seafood Watch Program Evaluate Lobster Fishing?
The Seafood Watch Program evaluates lobster fishing practices based on factors such as the type of gear used, the impact on other marine species, and the health of lobster populations. Lobster caught using traps that minimize the impact on the seafloor and avoid unintentional catch of other species are considered the most sustainable.
What Types of Lobster are Recommended?
The Seafood Watch Program recommends consumers, retailers, and restaurants choose Maine lobster caught using traps that meet certain criteria for sustainability. These traps include those that use biodegradable escape hatches and reduce the risk of entangling other marine species.
What Types of Lobster Should be Avoided?
The Seafood Watch Program recommends avoiding spiny lobster caught in the Caribbean and Latin America. These lobsters are often caught using destructive fishing methods that harm the seafloor and lead to the unintentional catch of other marine species.
What Can Consumers Do?
Consumers can support sustainable lobster fishing practices by choosing Maine lobster caught using traps that meet the Seafood Watch Program’s sustainability criteria. They can also ask their local retailers and restaurants to source sustainable lobster and other seafood.
Conclusion
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Lobster program provides a valuable resource for consumers, retailers, and restaurants looking to make sustainable choices in the lobster industry. By choosing sustainably caught lobster, we can help protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry.
