The FFAW says local harvesters are “cautiously optimistic” following what they describe as an “overall positive” snow crab assessment update from DFO.
The fisheries union says most waters surrounding the province show increases to the fishable biomass, something that is welcome news to harvesters who have had to deal with significant quota reductions in recent years.
Signs are not as good in areas 2J off the coast of Labrador and 3L from Cape Freels to the southern Avalon.
FFAW President Keith Sullivan says the latest stock assessment leaves them hopeful, but they still have significant concerns about the proposed ‘Precautionary Approach;’ framework and what he calls DFO’s lack of consideration for the knowledge of fish harvesters.