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.
“International buyers are watching, and the world is losing faith in Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to manage its seafood industry,” the ASP said.
The FFAW, meanwhile, said the ASP is only interested in “forcing a panel hearing,” regardless of the union’s extenuating circumstances. According to a letter from the price-setting panel, the delay was related to “exceptional and unforeseen circumstances” involving the FFAW’s lead negotiator, and the union is in the process of replacing the position.
“These actions undoubtedly show that ASP does not have the best interests of this industry in mind,” FFAW said.
The ASP meanwhile claims the delay was the government bending to pressure on the process and the ASP was never consulted on any delays in the process. Now, the association is taking the matter to court.
“The only path forward as we see it, is to take our concerns to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure accountability and transparency,” Loder said. “The full record will be presented."
The price-setting process has been tumultuous before. In 2023, disputes over the minimum price lead to a six-week standoff with harvesters refusing to fish. That tie up lead to arbitration, which found the FFAW was liable for costs related to the tie-up.
Disputes between the FFAW and ASP have also occurred outside the price-setting process, with the union winning arbitration against the processors over snow crab tolerances.
