The province’s snow crab fishery will not open to harvesting before April 20th.

The Crab Negotiating Committee is considering the many complexities surrounding a possible fishery and the global supply chain in light of COVID-19.

FFAW President Keith Sullivan says that includes how physical distancing, nearly impossible on a vessel, can be practiced.

Not surprisingly, Sullivan says, most harvesters are not comfortable participating in a fishery at this time. Working groups are looking at a number of concerns,Including what happens before you get on a vessel, interactions in the loading and offloading of vessels, what happens on a wharf, and in the plant.

Sullivan says this is all new and extremely complicated and is not like “navigating a four-way stop.” He says the global supply chain is also affected and work is underway to determine market demand.

Restaurants around the world are closed, and demand for crab destined for cruise ship buffet tables has dried up. That said, Sullivan indicates there appears to be good demand in US grocery stores, which is something they’re working on understanding better.

Harvesters Preparing for Season, says Association of Seafood Producers

Meanwhile, the Association of Seafood Producers says members are ready for the season, and those that are not, will be.

Executive Director Derek Butler says they are working to allow people to prepare for the season.

The Fisheries Council of Canada and the Canadian Aquaculture Alliance are on board.

The groups issued a release on Thursday commending the federal government for recognizing the fish and seafood industries as essential.

President and CEO of the alliance, Timothy Kennedy, says with the announcement of federal government programs that will help essential workers and allow businesses to continue operation, this is good news.

He says it will help “secure the livelihoods of over 80,000 Canadians, mainly in rural and coastal communities.