September 7, 2022 – Washington, D.C. – The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) issued the following statement in response to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program adding American lobster to its “Red List” citing the threats they pose to endangered North Atlantic right whales:

“‘Red Listing’ American lobster actually raises more questions about Monterey Bay Aquarium’s process than it does about the fishery. Fisheries experts who are in the know are fully aware the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) overview of the fishery is that “U.S. wild-caught American lobster is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.” This is one of the best-managed fisheries in the world with no recent evidence that right whales are dying as a result of its gear. This is a counterproductive move by MBA that frankly undermines the rest of the platinum-level work done to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.”

NFI is the nation’s largest seafood trade association and represents every facet of the commercial seafood supply chain, including harvesters, vessel owners, processors, exporters, importers, distributors, retailers, and seafood restaurants.