The FFAW is calling on government to refuse the two bids submitted for oil and gas exploration parcels on what they call some of the most lucrative crab fishing grounds in the world.

ExxonMobil and Husky/Suncor submitted bids on two of the parcels in the Jeanne d’Arc region, better known as the Grand Banks.

President Keith Sullivan says fish harvesters are baffled by the provincial governments refusal to prioritize a renewable, sustainable fishery over oil and development.

He says they still have the opportunity to do the right thing to protect these prime crab fishing grounds by not accepting bids in these critical areas.

Council Member and Harvester, Glen Winslow says they are not willing to give up more of their traditional, valuable fishing grounds to oil and gas – and they will do whatever it takes to protect these crab ground.