Snow Crab and Lobster Added to Seafood Watch ‘Avoid’ List

The Provincial Government is condemning a decision by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch that added snow crab and lobster harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador to the group’s “avoid’ list.

In a statement, the government described the decision as unwarranted and irresponsible.

The US-based organization recently released an updated seafood rating that placed North American lobster and Canadian snow crab in the ’avoid’ category. Some retailers and consumers in North America and worldwide use these rankings to help make seafood buying decisions.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch said that companies rely on their "scientific standards" when purchasing sustainable seafood. The group says that their standards are built on a "solid foundation of science and collaboration."