Maine Governor Janet Mills criticized Whole Foods after the grocery chain decided to stop selling the state's lobsters at its stores

Whole Foods will stop selling lobsters from the Gulf of Maine, following the lead of other retailers who boycotted the crustacean due to environmental groups' pressure.

As a result of the grocery chain's decision to stop selling the state's lobster, Janet Mills, along with other state lawmakers, expressed frustration in a joint statement.

The Marine Stewardship Council's suspension of the lobster industry's certificate ofsustainability continues to harm the livelihoods of men and women up and down Maine's coast, and we are disappointed by Whole Foods' decision.

In a statement to Maine Public, the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative said the decision was disappointing.

Whole Foods said their decision was based on concerns for the North Atlantic right whales. The right whales can live up to 70 years.

Concerns were raised in September about the fishing gear used to catch Maine lobsters posing a risk to whales.

The lobster fishery's certificate was suspended in November. The suspension will start on December 15.

There are less than 350 North Atlantic right whales left. Unusual death for right whales can be caused by fishing gear and ships.

Whole Foods will continue to sell Maine lobsters before the Gulf of Maine fishery certificate is suspended, according to a statement from the chain.

The sale of Maine lobsters was stopped by HelloFresh and Blue Apron.

Representatives for Whole Foods, the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, and the Marine Stewardship Council didn't reply to Insider's request for comment.