September 17, 2013 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:
It’s the position of the Maine Department of Marine resources that statements made today by PETA are nothing more than another disingenuous attempt to advance their agenda and negatively impact Maine's most important coastal industry and the economy it supports. PETA has not sought to change the animal-welfare statutes as they affect lobster through legitimate public processes, but prefers to seek media attention by attacking Maine businesses.
Furthermore, after consultation with the DMR’s lead lobster biologist Carl Wilson, it is the position of the Department of Marine Resources that what is shown in the video is compliant with state and federal laws and regulations, including Maine’s animal-welfare statute.
The Maine lobster industry is a state-of-the-art industry selling the best seafood in the world. Through its strict adherence to all laws and regulations, the Maine lobster-processor sector consistently demonstrates its commitment to food safety, as well as the freshness of Maine’s iconic lobster. As a result, Maine lobster is known around the world as a unique, high-quality product.