The FFAW, its inshore councils and harvesters are deciding today whether to accept the latest offer from seafood producers that could get the stalled crab fishery up and running.

The fisheries union and ASP, the Association of Seafood Producers, have been at odds over the $2.20 per pound price set for snow crab this season.

The union has said that’s too low to cover the expense of hitting the water, resulting in boats being tied up for the past month as time ticks on the fishing season.

ASP’s latest offer includes a provision that the price not go below $2.20 this season, but could go up pending requests for reconsideration by the union or ASP.

Earlier today, ASP made a new offer to the FFAW Snow Crab Bargaining Committee, bringing the industry closer to a solution this season. Presented for consideration was: https://t.co/X3FxFEuaKx

— FFAW-Unifor (@FFAW_Unifor) May 5, 2023

Trip limits and scheduling would also be enforced “to ensure fairness and equity, and orderliness in the fishery,” according to the union, adding there is also “a strong commitment to buy crab for the whole season.”

Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg, Labour Minister Bernie Davis and Premier Andrew Furey helped broker the tentative agreement.

The union was expected to provide an update some time today on its decision regarding the offer.

They say they’ll also be asking DFO for an extension to the season to make up for lost time.