- Certifier :
- MRAG Americas, Inc.
- Certified status :
- Withdrawn
- Certified since :
- 13 Dec 2016
- Certificate expires :
- 13 Jan 2023
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| American lobster (Homarus americanus) | 2020 | 43,821.9 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
Eligibility, client groups and vessel lists
A fishery may choose to define the members of the fishery certificate. These members can be vessels or other client group members (e.g. companies that own vessels and/or companies that are named as eligible to handle certified product covered within the fishery certificate scope). Please refer to the fishery certificate statement on additional product specific eligibility criteria (e.g. product eligibility limitations, eligibility date, exclusive points of landing and the point where Chain of Custody certificate is required). Please consult the fishery Public Certification Report for product eligibility rationale.
| Documents | Published on | Files |
|---|---|---|
| List of client group members | 13 Sep 2022 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
American Lobster (Homarus americanus) image © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
The Gulf of Maine is the centre of the US lobster industry, accounting for more than 2/3 of the USA's lobster landings. Catches in Maine have continued to increase and stock levels have remained healthy.
The lobsters are caught using baited traps, and landings are subject to strict regulations. Minimum and maximum carapace size limits are in force (particularly large lobsters receive protection because they generally produce more young), berried females must be released as must V-notched females, and there are restrictions on the number and configuration of traps that may be used.
Maine lobster fishery achieves sustainability certification >
Market Information
More than 4,000 Maine fishermen are involved in the industry, which landed 126 million pounds in 2013, at a value of US$364 million. The catch is sold domestically and internationally, in both live and processed forms depending on the quality of the fish.