Six weeks after it was originally scheduled to start, crab harvesters right across the province are finally heading out on the water.

The start to the fishery was made possible after the FFAW yesterday announced that it had “reluctantly” signed off on an offer from the Association of Seafood Producers.

It officially ends the protracted dispute being harvesters and producers over the price set for crab this season.

Harvesters believed that the $2.20 set by the Fish Price Setting Panel in the spring was too low, but since that time, the markets have continued to drop.

The FFAW says no one in the union is happy about having to sign off on the $2.20 per pound, but they were “backed into a corner.”

The union is seeking a commitment from the premier to revamp the final offer selection process and work towards a formula before the 2024 season. The FFAW and ASP will hold a news conference on Tuesday to discuss the agreement.

The FFAW says it is continuing to lobby for changes to EI qualifications this year for members who were left without earnings during the dispute.

The union says members are facing a significant reduction in earning and “must receive commitment that financial help will be there to help them make it to next season.”

The FFAW says it has been in constant communication with all levels involved and is working on what it calls a “comprehensive benefit proposal” that will ensure members are supported.