The NunatuKavut Community Council says the drastic cut in snow crab quotas in area 2J off the southeast coast of Labrador puts local communities in jeopardy.

NCC President Todd Russell says DFO’s decision to cut quotas even further adds to the dire situation facing the fishery in NunatuKavut.

He says harvesters on the island portion of the province will enjoy huge increases in snow crab quotas, while their harvesters take a “massive” 28 per cent cut.

Russell is calling for an emergency meeting with federal minister Joyce Murray to develop a plan of action to stabilize the fishery and offset the devastating impact of cuts.

He is proposing that a significant portion of the expected increase in Total Allowable Catch in Shrimp Fishing Area 4 go to NCC.