FFAW calling on government to better regulate processing companies

The FFAW is calling on the provincial government to increase regulations pertaining to processing companies. The union also wants the government to issue additional processing licenses, and open the province up to outside buyers immediately.

These measures will allow inshore harvesters to sell their catch.

“Processing companies are engaging in unethical business behaviour to the targeted detriment of the small boat fleet in our province. The fishery may be open with a price agreement in place, but with no avenue to sell, harvesters are still in crisis,” says FFAW-Unifor Secretary-Treasurer Jason Spingle.

Only a small percentage of snow crab has been landed so far this season. The fishery will close in just a few weeks.

In a recent survey conducted by the FFAW, nearly 70% of harvesters do not believe they will be given the opportunity to land their quotas this season.