Players in the province’s fishing industry are meeting virtually today to forge a path forward as the threat of US tariffs looms over the Canadian economy.

Representatives of the FFAW, Association of Seafood Producers, and the Aquaculture Industry are among those participating in a roundtable to develop a united front to help the fishing industry navigate the potential economic crisis.

Provincial Fisheries Minister Gerry Byrne says what’s discussed today will not in any way supplant the price setting process and he’s confident all sides are committed to working together to find solutions.

“This will only be about tariffs,” says Byrne “collective bargaining is proceeding between the ASP and the FFAW as we speak.”

In the meantime, $5,750,000 in provincial funding, previously set aside for quality control and to get local snow crab into the boutique market, is being redirected to help industry players find markets outside the U.S. over the next two years.