The snow crab harvest in Newfoundland and Labrador has entered its third week, with some improvements seen in the catch price and the smooth operation of processing plants. Jeff Loder, the executive director of the Association of Seafood Producers, stated that the readiness of producers contributed to the smooth start. Out of the province’s 22 crab processing plants, 20 are currently in operation, and thousands of people have returned to work both on the water and on land. Approximately 11 percent of the quota, which is around 54,000 metric tons, has been processed so far.
Market conditions have also improved, leading to an increase in the minimum catch price from $2.20 to $2.25 per pound, which will take effect on Sunday. Loder expressed hope for further price increases, emphasizing the importance of sharing the value created by the snow crab fishery according to existing agreements.
However, tensions between the Association of Seafood Producers and the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union continue to simmer. Some unresolved issues include trip limits for fishing vessels, changes in the policy regarding smaller crab, and allegations of discrimination against the under-40 fleet by some companies. Trip limits and other matters are being discussed, and federal fisheries officers are enforcing the trip limits specified in licenses.
There have been reports of delays for harvesters waiting several days before returning to the fishing grounds after landing their catch, which raises concerns about whether the entire quota can be caught this year. The FFAW-Unifor union is focused on ensuring a fair chance for all participants in the harvest and is engaging in talks over the weekend. The union opposes the decision to reduce the tolerance level for smaller crab with shells under four inches. Previously, harvesters were paid the minimum price even if up to 20 percent of their catch fell under this category. However, this year a 30-cent penalty will be applied to all crab under four inches.
Regarding allegations of discrimination against the under-40 fleet, Loder denied the claims and emphasized that every harvester could not go fishing on the first day. He stated that there has been no discrimination and requested a more respectful conversation.
This year’s snow crab harvest in Newfoundland and Labrador has faced significant challenges and tensions due to disagreements over revenue sharing and collapsing markets. The fishery was initially scheduled to begin in early April but was delayed as harvesters refused to untie their boats after the price-setting panel established a lower arbitrated price of $2.20 per pound, compared to previous years with higher prices.
The original article pre-edited is available at SeafoodNews.com.
