A lobby group representing the interests of inshore fishing operators is questioning the legitimacy of a recent review of the fishing industry’s collective bargaining model.
David Conway conducted an independent review into the way in which prices are set in the fishing industry, following a chaotic summer that saw some processors refusing to buy, and some harvesters refusing to fish, for the prices set.
Ryan Cleary of SEA-NL says the consultant didn’t hold a single meeting with the more than 3,200 licensed inshore enterprise owners whose livelihoods depend on the price of fish.
The consultant recommended some changes to the existing final offer selection model but rejected an idea put forward by SEA-NL suggesting an electronic auction pilot project. Nor would Conway entertain the suggestion of allowing outside buyers says Cleary.
Price is irrelevant without a buyer Cleary contends.