It’s closing time at a restaurant in Sweden and the lobsters there have hatched a plan. As one acts a lookout, another lifts the tank’s lid, and the third climbs out.  He’s headed for the ocean to begin an epic invasion … as soon as he can figure out how to get the rubber bands off his claws. 

Any Mainer would know that this story is a bit of a stretch.  But it’s not far off from a version Sweden is telling to justify a proposed import ban that would have very real impacts for Maine lobstermen. It’s just one of several threats to Maine’s seafood exports that I’ve been working on recently. 

Sweden has requested that the 28 countries of the European Union (EU) ban the import of all lobsters from the U.S. and Canada.  Bigger and meatier than its European cousin, the American lobster is highly sought after in Europe. Every year, the U.S. exports about $150 million worth to these countries, and Maine accounts for well over $10 million of that—not counting Maine-caught lobsters that are exported by out-of-state distributors.

As a basis for the ban, Sweden performed a risk assessment study that the EU is currently reviewing.  The report argues that American lobsters have already invaded European waters and that they are a disease-carrying threat to native species. Now, I understand the seriousness of invasive species—Maine is dealing with them in our own waters, most especially green crabs. But I question the validity of the science Sweden points to in this case. 

Over the last eight years, Sweden has actively encouraged fishermen to report their catches of American lobsters.  In total, only 32 have been found—hardly adding up to an “invasion.”  And of the three diseases Sweden cites in its report, the University of Maine’s Lobster Institute says one is not contagious, one is essentially eradicated, and one is not even found in lobster. 

Moreover, I just find it hard to believe that the trade of lobster presents a high risk for their rapid spread and promulgation. Live lobsters typically get to Europe by plane, so they’re not even necessarily near water. And even though a handful have been found in Swedish waters—most likely released after their arrival by a few individuals—studies at the University of Maine have shown they present an extraordinarily low risk for interbreeding or disease transmission.

If Sweden was truly concerned with the spread of American lobsters, it seems that it should take stronger steps to enforce laws that ensure lobsters are handled properly and not released.  But it’s also fair to question whether the country’s proposed ban is really an effort to boost the sales values of its own lobsters by inhibiting trade. 

I’ve been proud to work with the other members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation to bring this issue to the attention of the State Department and the U.S. Trade Representative. The State Department has responded that it is “actively working to ensure that the European Commission does not impede the legitimate trade of live lobster, including those from Maine.”  

This is not the only seafood trade issue I’m working on right now.  The Maine Delegation is pressing the Food and Drug Administration on a holdup that is keeping Maine from exporting other kinds of shellfish to the European Union.  I also recently introduced a bill to lift burdensome inspections that have left Maine-processed sea urchins and cucumbers to rot before they can be exported.

With its importance to the state’s economy, I promise to keep standing up for Maine’s seafood industry on issues like these.  I’ll keep you posted as the stories unfold.  In the meantime, keep an eye out for any lobsters looking to make a break for it.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree represents Maine’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can contact her office by calling (207) 774-5019 or visiting www.pingree.house.gov/contact-chellie.

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