U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) applauded the finding of U.S. and Canadian experts on Wednesday that American lobsters aren’t an invasive threat to Europe.
The European Union (EU) has been considering a request from Sweden to ban the import of American lobsters because they can be considered an invasive species.
Researchers found no scientific evidence to support that claim, and forwarded a report to the EU Scientific Forum on Invasive Species to counter claims from Swedish scientists that American lobster pose a threat to European waters.
“We are pleased that both U.S. and Canadian experts have found there is no firm evidence that American lobsters are an invasive threat to Europe and that their analyses will be considered in the risk assessment,” Collins and Poliquin said in a joint statement with other members of Maine’s congressional delegation. “We will continue to fight for Maine’s lobster industry and do everything we can to ensure that all of the facts are considered in this assessment.”
EU officials said that Swedish scientists have until July 31 to provide additional information to the Scientific Forum to support their claim before a final ruling is issued.
If the forum finds convincing scientific evidence, the Committee on Invasive Alien Species will consider additional factors like economic considerations before ruling on a proposed ban on American lobster imports.