The two main players in the fishery—normally at each other’s throats—are burying the hatchet in an effort to get the crab fishery back on an even keel.

Last year’s fishery was disastrous. Out of the 50,000-tonne quota, about a third is still in cold storage because of weak markets.

The Association of Seafood Producers, which represents almost 20 plants, and the FFAW, which represents harvesters and plant workers, held a joint news conference at the Capital Hotel today. Talks begin in earnest on Monday on pricing, trip limits and other matters which usually would cause the two entities to butt heads all season long.

There are new players at the top: Greg Pretty of the FFAW and Jeff Loder of the producers. Calling it collaboration over conflict, they’re not making any guarantees but promise to give it their best shot.

Pretty says it’s not like NASCAR where the flag goes down and you throw it all on the wharf. They’re actually leaving money on the table in the fishery.

He says rural Newfoundland depends on the fishery.