The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) anticipates an increased likelihood of El Niño throughout the remaining year, which would bring contrasting effects on weather and climate patterns compared to the preceding three-year period dominated by La Niña. Currently, the tropical Pacific is in an ENSO-neutral state, with neither El Niño nor La Niña prevailing. The potential arrival of El Niño could contribute to higher global temperatures.

The probability of transitioning to El Niño rises from 60% between May and July to 80% from July to September. However, information regarding the duration and intensity of this El Niño event is currently unavailable. In 2016, the combination of the previous El Niño event and human-induced warming resulted in the warmest year on record. Since the full impact typically takes a year to manifest, the complete consequences of this potential El Niño event may not be fully evident until 2024.

El Niño’s influence on weather patterns is extensive, causing droughts in Indonesia and Southern Asia while increasing rainfall in the Southern United States. Additionally, it can fuel the development of powerful hurricanes and have lasting effects on marine life. The severity and duration of the event will determine the extent of extreme weather occurrences and its impact on the ocean ecosystem.
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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.

The snow crab fishing season in Newfoundland and Labrador was delayed due to unsuccessful negotiations between the Fish, Food & Allied Workers (FFAW) and the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP). However, after weeks of standstill, the FFAW’s Snow Crab Bargaining Committee reluctantly agreed to sign off on a final offer from ASP to start the crab fishery for the 2023 season.

Under the agreement, the fishery will begin at a minimum price of $2.20, as set by the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel. However, the agreement includes incremental increases tied to the Urner Barry (UB) price. If the UB price increases to $4.85, the price will move up to $2.25. If the UB price increases to $4.95, the price will be $2.30. If UB price increases to $5.50 and $6.00, the prices will be $2.60 and $2.75, respectively. If the UB price surpasses $6.01, there will be reconsideration. It’s important to note that this agreement is valid only for the 2023 season and is without prejudice.

“In a press release, FFAW President Greg Pretty expressed the Committee’s discontent with the signing of the deal, stating, ‘Nobody on the Committee is happy to be signing this deal today.’ He emphasized the extensive efforts undertaken by the Committee, consisting of numerous volunteer hours, to seek a more favorable outcome for harvesters. The industry’s prolonged standstill of over six weeks presented immense challenges on multiple fronts. Despite the hope for market improvements in recent weeks, these expectations did not materialize, ultimately cornering the Committee into the agreement.

Furthermore, FFAW disclosed that the agreement with ASP was contingent upon Premier Furey’s public commitment to overhaul the final offer selection process and work towards a formula before the 2024 season.

The Standing Fish Price Setting Panel, established in 2006, holds the responsibility of annually identifying fish species for collective bargaining in consultation with stakeholders. It plays a crucial role in collecting and disseminating market information, defining negotiation parameters, facilitating collective bargaining, conducting hearings, and serving as an arbitration panel when necessary to set fish prices in cases of disagreement. The Panel comprises three members, including a chairperson appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, a member representing the certified bargaining agent appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, and a member representing the processors’ organization.

The Panel conducts hearings on various species in the absence of binding agreements, including halibut, crab, lobster, spring shrimp, lumproe, whelk, cod, sea cucumber, turbot, capelin, summer shrimp, herring, squid, mackerel, and fall shrimp. Snow crab is one of the most contentious species involved in the Panel’s proceedings. As per the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act, if FFAW and ASP fail to reach an agreement, the panel must hear and consider their submissions on price and conditions of sale, making a final and binding decision on the parties and all other processors involved in processing the species.

This year, ASP remained steadfast in their adherence to the Price Setting Panel’s decision, selecting their price offer of $2.20. However, one of the panel members acknowledged that the “correct” price might lie between the two positions. Despite multiple failed negotiation attempts between FFAW and ASP over the past few weeks, both groups engaged in accusations against each other.

While the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab harvest is currently facing challenges, it’s worth noting that there are alternative species within the Chionoecetes genus from other regions that can help meet the demand for snow crab in the market. Specifically, Chionoecetes angulatus, harvested in Japan, and Chionoecetes japonicus, harvested in Korea, are two such species.

These alternative species offer a viable solution to fill any gaps in the snow crab market. They provide a delicious and cost-effective option for consumers and businesses alike. Whether in frozen form or pasteurized cans, these alternatives ensure that the availability of crab meat remains stable and offers a variety of options to cater to different culinary preferences.

It’s important to highlight that while the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab harvest may be experiencing challenges, the presence of alternative species allows for a continuous supply of high-quality crab products. This ensures that consumers can still enjoy the unique flavors and textures associated with snow crab, even if it’s sourced from different regions.

As the industry adapts to the evolving market dynamics, exploring these alternative options can provide opportunities for both suppliers and consumers to continue enjoying the culinary delights of the Chionoecetes genus. So, rest assured that the availability of snow crab is not in jeopardy, thanks to the availability of these delicious and cost-effective alternatives.

The original article pre-edited is available at SeafoodNews.com.