Today at the Confederation Building in St. John’s, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, met with leadership of the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) and the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP). The meeting culminated in an agreement between the FFAW and the ASP to commence the 2024 crab fishery.
The fishing industry and all those working within it are important to Newfoundland and Labrador, and our province is proud of the quality product delivered to local, national and international markets. The industry is particularly significant in rural parts of the province, and the Provincial Government is pleased to see a resolution for the benefit of harvesters, plant workers, processors, and all those who rely on the fishing sector.
We encourage all parties to maintain public safety and respect the process. Police agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely to protect the safety of all those involved. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to working with communities and our police agencies to ensure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel safe and secure.
Please see the backgrounder below for the terms of the agreement to commence the 2024 crab fishery.
Quotes
“I have been fully seized with working to support both the FFAW and the ASP in reaching an agreement to commence the 2024 crab fishery in a timely manner. I am pleased to see the two parties were able to come to an agreement, and commit to continuing to work together to make improvements to Newfoundland and Labrador’s valuable fishing industry.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Our government recognizes the significance of a sustainable fishing industry that works for all directly and indirectly employed by the sector. We have been engaged in working with the FFAW and ASP to reach a resolution, and I thank the parties, as well as the senior mediator involved, for coming to an agreement. A negotiated deal between the two parties is always the most beneficial outcome.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The fishing industry plays a critical role in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly for harvesters and plant workers, and our government has remained committed to all those who rely on our valuable public resource. We look forward to maintaining our province’s reputation for high quality product.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“This is an historic pricing agreement for harvesters in our province; restoring fairness in the crab fishery and giving harvesters a sharing arrangement they have not seen in a long time. We’re very pleased about the progress made here today and thank Premier Furey for ensuring the fishery gets off the ground as quickly as possible for the benefit of all those involved.”
Greg Pretty
President, FFAW-Unifor
“This is a positive day for Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly for plant workers, processors and harvesters. The ASP will continue to work with all stakeholders to advance and grow the crab fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Paul Grant, Board Chair
Association of Seafood Producers
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Learn more
Statement from Minister Loveless on Fisheries Discussions – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)
Provincial Government Recaps Commitments on Fisheries Issues – News Releases
Application Guidelines for Fish Buyers License – Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (gov.nl.ca)
Provincial Government Establishes Fish Price-Setting Strategic Review Team
Public Advisory: Fish Price-Setting Strategic Review Team Seeks Public Input
Minister Davis Releases Report from the Fish Price-Setting Strategic Review Team
BACKGROUNDER
The terms of the agreement to commence the 2024 crab fishery are as follows:
- The minimum price for the 2024 crab fishery is $3.00;
- The settlement price will be determined by actual FOB Boston sales of 2024 5-8oz sections from the start of the fishery through three weeks after the fishery ends, based on a statistically significant representative sample of the actual sales of 5-8oz sections, FOB Boston, determined by an independent third party;
- The settlement price will be 38.5% the value listed above;
- Both parties will be entitled to a reconsideration. There will be a reconsideration after the market reaches $6.50 USD;
- The agreement will be signed without prejudice;
- All other terms and conditions of sale are as per the Panel’s decision.
This Memorandum of Agreement is to remain in place for the remainder of the 2024 season.