3K Fleet Chairs to Meet with DFO Officials Monday
FFAW-Unifor snow crab fleet chairs from 3K will meet with DFO Management on the afternoon of Monday, March 11.
The meeting follows a concerning proposal from DFO last week where the Department suggested significant cuts for the upcoming fishery.
DFO’s suggestion of a 30%-plus cut in 3K is extreme and inconsistent with what was outlined in the science stock assessment. The proposal threatens the economic sustainability of hundreds of inshore enterprises and highlights DFO’s lack of respect towards harvesters’ knowledge when it comes to fisheries science and management.
The Department must take a more holistic approach to fisheries management, taking into consideration the ecosystem transition and accompanying transition for inshore fish harvesters, plant workers and their communities. The meeting will provide fleet chairs an opportunity to discuss the management approach for the 2019 snow crab fishery with senior DFO officials.
An update will be provided Monday afternoon following the meeting.