Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
A renewed call by the Swedish government to ban imports of live North American lobsters could amount to a $10 million loss to Maine’s lobster industry, a ban that some industry leaders and lawmakers in the U.S. are calling an overreaction.
The main concern from the Swedish government is that imported North American lobsters — or “Maine lobsters” as they are referred to – could carry shell diseases and parasites that could be transmitted to native European lobsters. Also of concern is the notion that European and North American lobsters could interbreed, creating an offspring that may not be viable for sale.
So far, EU officials say they have yet to see signs of interbreeding, though it’s possible, according to The Guardian.
"This is a complete overreaction on the part of Sweden,” U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree said in a statement about the ban. “We have safely exported live lobster to dozens of countries for decades, and even if it's true that a few Maine lobsters have been found in foreign waters, regulators need to look at the problem more carefully and not just jump to conclusions."
The Swedish environment ministry reported that more than 30 “Maine lobsters” have been found along the western coast of Sweden in recent years. In the United Kingdom, two dozen confirmed reports of North American lobsters in local waters have been reported in recent decades, with many still wearing rubber bands on their claws identifying the exporting company — leading some to believe they are being held in waters for future consumption.
"The idea that somehow lobsters are going to jump out of their tanks and crawl into the sea and survive just doesn't make sense," Pingree added. "Some reports have suggested that it's actually consumers who have bought lobsters and thrown them in the ocean."
The request to ban North American lobsters and label them as an invasive species will be brought before European officials next month. Any ban ultimately would need approval from the World Trade Organization.
Read more
From trap to plate, Maine lobster distribution is a complex system
A historic $495M year for Maine’s lobster industry
Research institute forecasts early lobster season start
Congressional delegation pans Swedish lobster ban
Odds drop for an ‘extremely early’ start to Maine lobster season
More questions raised about proposed European lobster ban
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments