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ARTICLE · 02 APRIL 2025

Maine Lobster Dispute Reaches Boiling Point

Duane Morris LLP
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On February 6, 2025, Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. of the District of Maine issued an eighty-five-page opinion denying a motion to dismiss filed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation ("Monterey Bay")...

United StatesEnvironment
Jesse Stavis
Jesse Stavis
Michelle C. Pardo
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On February 6, 2025, Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. of the District of Maine issued an eighty-five-page opinion denying a motion to dismiss filed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation ("Monterey Bay") in a case concerning allegedly defamatory comments about the environmental impact of Maine's lobster industry. At issue in Bean Maine Lobster, Inc. v. Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation were warnings to consumers to avoid Maine lobster due to the industry's alleged impact on endangered right whales. Read Duane Morris previous blog about this case here.

Read more: Maine Lobster Dispute Reaches Boiling Point

As part of its conservation efforts, Monterey Bay publishes Seafood Watch, a sustainable seafood advisory list that advises consumers and commercial buyers of seafood on the environmental impact of fishing and trapping operations. Seafood Watch had long rated Maine lobster as a "yellow" product, which means that consumers can feel comfortable buying it but should be

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Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.

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