AUGUSTA – An effort to have Maine’s lobster industry certified as “sustainable” is moving forward as a London-based organization begins a formal assessment of the fishery.

The Marine Stewardship Council said Thursday that it has begun a full evaluation of the lobster population, the soundness of the lobster management system and the fishery’s impact on the environment. The process is expected to take a year or more.

Members of Maine’s lobster industry are seeking the certification label, which assures consumers that the seafood is not overfished or harvested in a way that harms the ocean.

Supporters said that as consumers demand more “green” food products, the lobster industry stands to lose out if it doesn’t get certified.