The fishing industry is a vital part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, culture, and identity, supporting thousands of workers and sustaining hundreds of rural communities.

Since taking office in late October, the Provincial Government has worked closely with two key industry stakeholders, FFAW-Unifor and the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), to discuss longstanding industry challenges and potential solutions. Numerous meetings have been held that involved active discussions. This Government appreciates the frank discussions and contributions of both the ASP and FFAW-Unifor in securing advances for the benefit of the fishing industry.

Today, the Provincial Government is confirming several actions it has taken to ensure the protection and successful growth of the fishing and aquaculture industries in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Minister O’Driscoll has written to the Federal Minister of Fisheries on two occasions requesting that the necessary steps be taken to allow the possible early opening of the 2026 snow crab fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Provincial Government, at the direction of Premier Wakeham, requested the services of John Sackton, President, Seafood Datasearch, to complete a market report related to the dynamics of the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab industry. This includes an evaluation on 2025 market performance, 2026 forward outlook and a regional comparative analysis on Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab.  The portion of the report related to 2025 and the dynamics between Newfoundland and Labrador and gulf snow crab was received on February 6. The report has been provided to FFAW-Unifor and Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) and can be viewed here.
• The Provincial Government has stood firmly on the opposition of the National Marine Conservation Area on the South Coast by terminating the Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government. The proposed marine conservation area created real risk for the sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture industries. The province will not support measures that restrict access, create uncertainty, or threaten the livelihoods of harvesters and aquaculture operators.
• Premier Wakeham has spoken with Prime Minister Carney and other federal ministers on the importance of eliminating Chinese tariffs on Canadian fish and seafood. China is the province’s second largest export destination. We support the federal governments continuing work to eliminate these tariffs for all species. Achieving tariff free access to the Chinese market will support harvesters and processors and strengthen the provincial economy. Premier Wakeham and Minister O’Driscoll have also requested the renewal of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, which is set to expire on March 31, 2026. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund has resulted in investments of millions in Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing and aquaculture industries and must continue into the future.
• The Provincial Government will also be initiating the following policy changes:
  • Remove the ability for companies with a primary processing licence to obtain a fish buyers licence. Licensed fish processors will still be able to avail of the existing exemption process under the Fish Inspection Act, which will be streamlined with a new application form and process, following consultation with ASP.
  • Increased inspection activities related to shipment of fish species out of the province and increased fines for non-compliance with reporting requirements, particularly for Fish Buyers Licence (for all species, except sea urchins), commonly referred to as an outside buyer’s licences.
  • Streamline processing licence applications and reducing barriers for applicants:
    • New fish processing licence applications will be received at the department for analysis and a recommendation provided to the Minister, for consideration under Section 5 of the Fish Inspection Act.
    • Existing applications will be expeditated by the Fish Processing Licencing Board under the existing process. In addition the Board will still participate in the appeals process, until the new approach to licensing is finalized.
    • Updated application process will also include the ability to receive a
      conditional fish processing licence where there is a commitment to buy or construct a fish processing facility, and the applicant meets all application eligibility criteria. Feedback on the application criteria has been provided from ASP and FFAW-Unifor. Feedback from both parties will be taken into consideration for new conditional licence applications.
    • The Fish Processing Licencing Board Manual is being reviewed and changes will be made where necessary to reflect the new approach to licensing.
• In addition, an audit of all 2025 licence holders with a Fish Buyers Licence (For all species, except sea urchins), commonly referred to as an outside buyer’s licence and products shipped out, will be conducted.

Quotes 
“Since taking office, my government has taken important steps forward to stand up for and champion Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing and aquaculture industries. Appointing a standalone Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture provides a greater focus and prioritizes these vital industries for our province. These industries feed our families, support our rural communities, and anchor our provincial identity. I am unwavering in my commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable fishery for the people who rely on these sectors for their livelihoods but also to grow a stronger economy for all of us. This government will continue to collaborate with industry partners and push the Federal Government for an equal voice over our resources.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“As the Minister responsible for fisheries and aquaculture, my priority is to bring industry partners into the discussion as our government works to grow both our traditional fishery and the potential of aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our focus on the fishery and engagement with stakeholders demonstrates our support for the thousands of people and hundreds of rural communities involved in this critical sector. The fishery has shaped our province for generations and we know more opportunities exist to strengthen our fishing industry even further. We must reach a positive path forward for the upcoming fishing season, and I assure you; this government will continue to be a part of the conversation with our stakeholders until we do.”
Honourable Loyola O’Driscoll
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

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