The Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), which represents processing companies in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is taking the provincial government to court, calling a decision to delay the snow crab fishery “political interference.”
The snow crab fishery in Newfoundland was set to open on 1 April, but due to a delay in proceedings for the price-setting panel, that date has been pushed to 13 April at the latest. The price-setting panel sets a minimum price for snow crab in the fishery each year, choosing between prices offered up by the ASP – representing processors – and the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW), which represents the fishermen.
According to a release from the FFAW, circumstances beyond its control lead to a delay in the panel proceedings, and the provincial government “understands the situation at hand, and has come out in support of harvesters and plant workers in Newfoundland and Labrador.” The union also said the negotiating committee supports the delay.
However, the ASP has come out in strong opposition to any delay to the start of the fishery, and calls the decision to halt the process political interference and an attempt by the government to “shift the goalposts.”
“The industry cannot function when decisions are delayed and disrupted by politics and pressure,” ASP Executive Director Jeff Loder said. “Families, harvesters, plant workers, and entire communities depend on this fishery. This is about more than prices – it’s about stability, trust, and the rule of law.”
The ASP claims the Newfoundland fisheries ministers’ decision to delay the price process is in violation of the legislation that governs it and erodes confidence in the snow crab industry...
