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.