Blue-collar lobstermen sue environmental group for defamation: 'The harm is intentional'

Maine lobster industry groups and business owners filed a lawsuit this week, accusing a California-based eco group of defamation related to its "sustainability" ratings program.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program makes recommendations to consumers and major seafood sellers about where to purchase products. Last year, the group — which has commitments from companies like Blue Apron, Cheesecake Factory, Hello Fresh and Whole Foods — downgraded Maine lobster from "good alternative" to "avoid," citing risks the state's fishery poses to endangered North Atlantic right whales. Thomas Catenacci is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

"They conducted this inquiry, this analysis, based on what they characterized as all scientific data and a rigorous and transparent science-based process. But the facts are just the opposite," Kevin Lipson, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, told Fox News Digital in an interview. "The facts are that Maine lobster fishing practices have actually contributed to the sustainability not only of the lobster fishery, but of North Atlantic right whales."