Pingree and Mills will urge NOAA to make data-driven modifications to...
Urge NOAA to reverse or modify the lobster industry's Red List designation using data-driven evidence.
Occurrences
Evidence
The Maine delegation, including Rep. Chellie Pingree, called on Seafood Watch to immediately reverse the Maine lobster red-listing or justify it with evidence, and said the designation ignored available NOAA data and the fishery’s mitigation steps.
Seafood Watch was still moving in the opposite direction in May 2026, proposing to add North American lobster to its Red List rather than reverse the designation.
Assessments
Pingree, as part of Maine's federal delegation, formally urged reversal of the lobster Red List designation and demanded evidence, arguing that the designation ignored NOAA data and industry mitigation measures. Because the promise was to urge a reversal or modification using data-driven evidence, not necessarily to secure the reversal, this satisfies the promised federal advocacy action during the same term. Later evidence that the designation remained active does not negate fulfillment of the narrower 'urge' commitment.