A state panel looking into having Maine lobster certified as a sustainable seafood will hold a series of public meetings this week to hear from members of the lobster industry.

The Governor's Working Group on Maine Lobster Sustainability completed a study outlining some challenges in qualifying for Marine Stewardship Council certification, but has said there are no major barriers. It is exploring certification as a way to expand and protect the market as large buyers, especially in Europe, pledge to buy only certified seafoods.

The working group said it plans to use input from the industry when it decides whether to pursue certification, a review process that could take nine-months to a year to complete.

The schedule of next week's meetings is as follows:

6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, Ellsworth Public Library
5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, Rockland Public Library
6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24th, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland

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