The Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) gives a second extension to the snow crab season. This Tuesday, a warning was given to fishermen in certain parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, so it is time to keep cages ready for fishing, especially after the harsh season.
The dispute, which caused significant tension between the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) and the Fish, Food, and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), came to a resolution on May 19. Despite the delays and frustrations, the snow crab fishery in Canada commenced, albeit more than a month later than planned.
After more than six weeks of contentious negotiations, harvesters and processors in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, have finally come to an agreement regarding the panel price for snow crab, set at CAD 2.20 per pound (EUR 1.49/USD 1.63). Now, in the last update of 9 July it reach the CAD 2.30 per pounds (EUR 1.57/USD 1.68)
This marks the second extension of the snow crab season, which would first occur at the end of June. Thus, among the areas that remain unchanged from this time by DFO is area 3A will close at 20:00 hours on July 29.
On the other hand, the DFO of Canada has officially confirmed the extension of the snow crab fishery in all Crab Fishing Areas (CFAs) within NAFO sub-Division 3Ps. This extension includes the areas 10A, 10B, 11S, 11W, and 11E. Initially, the DFO announced the extension for the 3Ps areas in late June, with a scheduled closure on July 14. However, with the latest update, the fishery in the 3Ps areas will now remain open until July 21, 2023.
Despite these season relief measures, other plans by the FFAW-Unifor to help fishermen are also continuing. Meanwhile, work continues with the proposed Emergency Economic Assistance (EEA) for all workers affected by the NL snow crab crisis by 2023. This agreement is a measure to alleviate the hardships caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, in addition to the late season.