AUGUSTA — Maine lobster dealers can now take advantage of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, a globally recognized seal of approval sought by the growing number of people worldwide who prefer sustainably harvested seafood.

In March, Gov. Paul Le- Page announced that Maine’s lobster fishery had achieved MSC certification after a thorough, six-year certification process administered by the Fund for the Advancement of Sustainable Maine Lobster. The fund, a group of Maine lobster industry stakeholders who came together to administer the certification, has completed the initial process necessary for Maine lobster dealers and processors to use the MSC logo, also referred to as an ecolabel, in their marketing.

The Marine Stewardship Council is widely recognized as the world’s most respected certifier of sustainable, traceable fisheries products.

“This was not an easy process,” said John Hathaway, who organized the fund, “but MSC certification offers a great competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.”

The fund is now offering a licensing agreement to all Maine lobster dealers so they can become eligible to display the ecolabel.

“It took a long time to achieve this certification,” said Hathaway. “We want to make sure everyone in the Maine lobster industry can share in the many benefits MSC certification offers.”

For more information, contact Hathaway at 207-329- 1791.