A fish processor in Labrador is disputing the FFAW’s claims that it is underhandedly preventing harvesters from this province from selling their catch in the Maritimes.

The fisheries union accuses the Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company of convincing buyers in Nova Scotia not to accept snow crab from harvesters based in NL. However, Dwight Russell, President of the Labrador processor, says the wharf refenced by the FFAW is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Labrador Shrimp Company and dedicated to servicing its own vessel, the M.V. Osprey.

They paint a totally different picture, saying they helped off-load 92,000 pounds of snow crab from the Newfoundland vessel, and even provided the harvesters with personnel and equipment. Russell says to state that their subsidiary refused access and refused future access is completely false.

The shrimp company, which operates two plants in Labrador, says they have excess capacity and are prepared to purchase crab at competitive prices that is landed on the island.