Fish companies say the world is losing faith in Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to manage its seafood industry.

This comes after the provincial government extended the deadline for the Fish Price Setting Panel to reach a decision on the price of snow crab this year. April 1st was the original deadline, but that has been extended to April 13th, much to the dismay of the Association of Seafood Producers.

The FFAW and the producers could not reach an agreement on price, so the issue went to the independent panel, a process that plays out pretty much every year. However, ASP executive director Jeff Loder says government interference not only undermines the legislated process, but also opens the door to chaos, intimidation, and lawlessness.

He says fish companies have little choice but to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.