The fisheries union says ‘stay tuned’ as frustrated harvesters call for action on the opening of the crab fishery.
With crab prices set at $2.90 a pound and trip limits of 1,500 pounds weekly, harvesters say it’s simply not economical to prosecute the fishery.
Hundreds of harvesters confronted FFAW President Keith Sullivan and Secretary-Treasurer Dave Decker outside the union office on Saturday, calling for the fishery to be shut down and for the federal government to step in with an aid package.
Saturday’s protest was not sanctioned by the union, but President Keith Sullivan says he understands the frustration.
He says what caused the situation to bubble over was the imposition of trip limits by processors. That makes fishing completely uneconomical.
Sullivan tells members to expect more from the union today.
Minister Responds to Concerns
Harvesters shouted “Where is Gerry Byrne?” as frustrations boiled over on the weekend.
The provincial Fisheries Minister says he is working to make sure the concerns of local harvesters and public health officials are brought to the ears of the federal government.
He says he’s been trying to get the parties together and get the fisheries union and Association of Seafood Producers to speak directly with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Service NL, Occupational Health and Safety, and Workplace NL.