Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg has approved a crab processing license for St. Mary’s, as well as an increase in quota for Dandy Dan’s Fish Market—but the FFAW believes those decisions have failed to address a lack of competition in seafood processing.

Although the minister approved two applications, there were two others that did not get the green light.

Therein lies the problem for the FFAW. They say that by not approving the other applications, the Minister has rejected numerous recommendations from the board, something that they say is “unprecedented and unjustified” as the board’s purpose is to make unbiased recommendations to protect and benefit the provincial economy.

The union says the approvals, while welcome news, will make very little difference in other areas of the province.

The FFAW is asking for a timely meeting with the minister to find a way to address the issues before the season is over.

Meanwhile, the Seaward Enterprises Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is welcoming the two approvals announced by Minister Bragg.

They maintain that more competition will reduce pressure on the inshore fleet to fish in potentially unsafe conditions. However, commenting on whether or not the two approvals will do enough to reduce that pressure, Executive Director Ryan Cleary states that “we shall soon see.”