January 5, 2021

 

US lawsuit launched against Maine company for falsely claiming sustainably sourced salmon

 

A federal lawsuit has been launched in the United States against Ducktrap River of Maine for allegedly  misleading customers with packaging that claims its salmon is sustainably sourced.

 

The lawsuit was filed in US District Court for the District of Maine by New York resident Abigail Starr who alleges that the salmon is "unsustainably raised" using "industrial farming practices" that threaten the environment.

 

Ducktrap River is owned by Mowi ASA, a Norwegian company, and operates under a US subsidiary. In addition to its salmon, Ducktrap River also produces smoked mackerel, trout and whitefish.

 

Don Cynewski, Ducktrap River's general manager, said that he was aware of the lawsuit, but provided no further comment.

 

The lawyers who filed the lawsuit are seeking class-action status, meaning they could represent thousands of consumers, not just Starr who is the lead plaintiff. That means if the suit is successful, the potential damages are much greater than they would be for an individual.

 

The lawsuit doesn't specify damages on most of the allegations, saying it would be up for the court to determine. However, on one count, the suit said Ducktrap River and Mowi could face a fine of US$50 for each sale, which could be increased substantially if the court finds that the practices were misleading and the companies acted "willfully."

 

The suit also accuses the companies of violating consumer protection laws in most states, including Maine, and seeks additional damages based on that allegation.

 

According to the lawsuit, farmed salmon are raised in crowded and unhealthy conditions, which can lead to the development of diseases and parasitic infections.

 

"Industrial salmon farming poses grave risks to the environment, animal welfare and public health," the lawsuit states. "Because the marine pens are connected directly to the ocean environment, outbreaks can endanger surrounding ecosystems."

 

The lawsuit further accuses Mowi of practices of inflicting "unnecessary suffering on its salmon, and its facilities have been rated by animal charities as some of the industry's worst due to mortality rates, parasite infestations, stress levels and overstocking."

 

In addition, the suit alleged that consumers cannot be expected to know the background of the salmon they purchase and that they rely on statements that the products are "sustainably sourced," as Ducktrap River proclaims on its smoked salmon packaging.

- Centralmaine.com