There’s another dispute in the fishery—this time with capelin.
Harvesters and processors are about 15 cents per pound apart as the Fish Price Setting Panel chose the Association of Seafood Producers’ position of 25 cents.
The FFAW wants 40 cents to start but subject to change with a formula for increases based on market value. Union President Greg Pretty says there will be no capelin fishery unless they are offered a fair price.
“It’s infuriating. If the difference were a couple of cents, we wouldn’t be here. We’d be out fishing,” said Pretty. “They want us to put fuel in the boats, catch capelin and give it to them for nothing. Well we did that 50 years ago but that’s over. We’re not doing it anymore.”
If the two sides settle their differences, the capelin fishery would open in the next week or two.