St. Mary’s Bay is back in the fish business. After a year or so of arm-twisting behind the scenes, the fish plant in St. Mary’s has been awarded a new primary processing licence for groundfish (all species), whelk and snow crab.

Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg announced the decision this morning.

It’s sure to raise the ire of many in the industry as they see such a move as taking work from them to give to new players. Workers at several plants protested over the past few weeks, calling on the minister to reject the St. Mary’s application.

The snow crab licence will be restricted to the purchase of raw material not exceeding 2.5-million pounds.

As well, Dandy Dan’s Fish Market in Argentia has been approved for 2-million pounds, an increase of one million.