The impasse in the crab fishery will continue after talks between the FFAW and the Association of Seafood Producers facilitated by the Premier have been deemed unsuccessful.
Earlier today, an offer was presented to government to allow for a complete overhaul of the processing industry and to allow outside buyers access to all species—that, says government, will not be happening at this time.
In a letter from the the office of the fisheries minister, there was no definite “no”, but rather a response indicating that opening the markets beyond the province is not typically done in order to protect local prices and industry workers.
(FFAW Secretary-Treasurer Jason Spingle and FFAW President Greg Pretty.)
FFAW President Greg Pretty says they aren’t guaranteed a higher price by allowing outside buyers access to NL product, but they won’t know until they try.
He says it depends what the demand is like on the mainland market. “Who knows?” says Pretty. “But we won’t know until we make those connections.”
ASP Response
ASP Executive Director Jeff Loder
Meanwhile, the Association of Seafood Producers is accusing the FFAW of poor leadership and intimidation against ASP and fellow FFAW members.
The association says the impasse has gone on far too long and is putting thousands of workers and communities under stress and economic pressure.
In a statement released this afternoon, they say the FFAW’s offer to open the markets to buyers outside the province will only put the jobs of thousands in further danger.
ASP says the FFAW is failing to recognize these issues are to due with an incontrollable market and boats need to return to the water to avoid any future economic fallout.
Earlier Story:
The FFAW has signed off on allowing the snow crab fishery to go ahead at the current minimum price offered, but on the condition that the provincial government immediately allow outside buyers to permit harvesters to truck-out their own product for all species “without restrictions.”
The FFAW is calling for a complete overhaul of the province’s processing industry, starting with immediately allowing outside buyers for all species.
Renewed talks with the help of Premier Andrew Furey failed to result in any movement on the minimum price for snow crab.
