Monterey Bay Aquarium
Coverage of Monterey Bay Aquarium in the Nexus archive.
- Appeals court says fishermen's claim in lobster defamation suit raises First Amendment questions
A federal appeals court is considering whether a defamation lawsuit by New England fishing businesses and trade groups against the Monterey Bay Aquarium can proceed, citing First Amendment concerns. The lawsuit challenges the aquarium's Seafood Watch program listing American and Canadian lobster on its 'red list' due to risks to North Atlantic right whales, with plaintiffs arguing the claim inaccurately harms their industry.
- Maine lobster defamation case smells fishy to First Circuit
Maine lobster trade groups sued the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch for defamation, claiming its environmental criticism caused a 40% price drop. The First Circuit raised First Amendment concerns, questioning whether the lawsuit could defame an entire industry of over 5,600 lobstermen.