Crab harvesters on the Avalon Peninsula are calling out the oil and gas industry saying the Hercules drill rig, operated by ExxonMobil in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin, is in direct conflict with traditional prime fishing grounds.

The FFAW-Unifor doesn’t want to see drilling in the basin during peak fishing time and in an especially difficult year.

President Greg Pretty says Exxon and the Canada-Newfoundland Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board are showing continuous disregard for the fishing industry. The FFAW, who made their position known to the board, is calling for an overhaul in the planning and procedures within the C-NLOPB.

Nelson Bussey, executive board member with the FFAW, says harvesters were given little to no notice of the drilling plans.

Bussey says their historical fishing rights have not been factored into the oil and gas growth equation.

Union president Pretty says an at-sea protest may be in order.