lobster sustainability

lobster sustainability

Boston Sword & Tuna

The fishery for fresh American lobster in both Canada and the U.S. is another very well-managed fishery. In recent years, landings have reached historic highs. Both fisheries are managed with the use of minimum and maximum size limits and rules that prevent the retention of egg-bearing females. In addition, lobster traps are required to be designed to allow undersized lobsters to escape from the trap. And all traps must have biodegradable escape panels that allow lobsters to escape from traps that are lost at sea. Currently, the fishery for lobsters in Maine, which produces about 90 percent of the U.S. lobster landings, is undergoing assessment by the Marine Stewardship Council.  The Canadian offshore lobster fishery was certified  by MSC in 2009.