(February 16, 2023, St. John’s) – Craig Pardy, PC Shadow Minister of Fisheries and MHA for Bonavista, is urging the Federal and Provincial Liberal Governments to come together to ensure that the 2023 Snow Crab fishery is a viable one for harvesters and plant workers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2021, the total value of our province’s fishing sector was $1.6 billion with a significant portion of this coming from snow crab. Pardy says while the cooperation between the FFAW and ASP is promising, he is calling on the Liberal Government to stop ignoring concerns around pricing, scheduling, and trip limits.

“Last season, we heard from harvesters all across the province who were concerned about the future of our province’s strongest fishery. Markets went cold in the United States and foreign Russian Crab dominated the Japanese markets – forcing harvesters to operate on scheduled trips and trip limits, all of which limit production,” said Pardy.

“We simply cannot have this happen again this year. Where is Minister Bragg on this issue? What is the Liberal Government doing to help the industry?”

Pardy fears that Minister Bragg is content with the status quo in our fishery, while crab caught off our shores last summer sits in warehouses waiting to be sold.

“When asked where he would like to see the fishery in 20 years, Minister Bragg said he would like to see it as strong as it is today. I ask Minister Bragg, is fear amongst harvesters and plant workers a sign of strength?” says Pardy.

“The people of Newfoundland and Labrador know the impact that the snow crab fishery has on our economy. The economic spin-offs from this fishery is the backbone of many rural communities across our province. The Liberals, including Minister Bragg, must step up to ensure we have a viable fishery and protect fish harvesters and plant workers in our province.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca