3K’s Fight for Crab: Update on Demonstrations

MARCH 24, 2025 – This weekend, crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador staged demonstrations in response to significant quota cuts in Zone 3K, driven by concerns over their livelihoods and skepticism about the scientific basis for the reductions. FFAW-Unifor has been vocal about the issue in the weeks leading up to the management plan, as detailed in previous updates, “What’s Up With 3K Crab” and “What’s Up With 3K Crab – Part II.” These updates highlighted a growing tension between harvesters and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), culminating in several protests over the weekend, including a rally in Grand Falls-Windsor on Friday, March 21, 2025, and an overnight occupation of the DFO office there. This was followed by two demonstrations in St. John’s on Sunday; at Joanne Thompson’s campaign office and outside of the Convention Centre where Prime Minister Mark Carney was set to kick off his campaign.

The context for these demonstrations stems from the DFO’s recent decision to reduce the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for snow crab in Zone 3K by approximately 23.5%, dropping from 9,998 tons to 7,643 tons. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced a 25% cut for offshore harvesters and a 20% cut for inshore harvesters, a decision confirmed late Friday evening by Deputy Minister Annette Gibbons after Minister Thompson delayed harvesters’ inquiries throughout the day.

Harvesters argue that these cuts are unjustified and misaligned with the ecological realities of the region, pointing to discrepancies in the DFO’s scientific assessments. Specifically, the FFAW notes that while the DFO’s trawl survey suggests a decline in crab biomass—leading to a proposed 49% cut under the Precautionary Approach—the trap survey and catch-per-unit-effort data from the fishery indicate a stable resource. This divergence is exacerbated by external factors like poor weather during the 2024 trawl survey, which may have skewed results due to rough sea conditions affecting trawl performance.

The Union further emphasizes the economic stakes, with the snow crab fishery being a cornerstone of rural Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Past years have seen the fishery generate significant value—$900 million in 2021 alone—supporting harvesters, plant workers, and entire communities. The FFAW warns that cuts of this magnitude threaten not just individual incomes but the viability of rural life, potentially forcing younger workers to leave. Harvesters have expressed frustration over what they see as DFO’s inflexibility and lack of communication, with the Union calling out Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson for a profound failure in leadership in delaying clarity on the decision until late Friday night.

With the government now in caretaker mode, Minister Thompson’s failure to act will likely extend into this year’s fishing season, for a number of issues including 3K crab.

The demonstrations reflect a broader call for reassessment. The FFAW is urging the new Minister of Fisheries to reconsider the cuts, arguing that the trawl survey’s inconsistencies—also observed in other zones like 3LNO (39% deviation) and 2HJ (31%)—undermine its reliability as the sole basis for such drastic measures.

With more demonstrations being planned, the harvesters’ actions this weekend underscore a deepening conflict over resource management, economic survival, and a complete degradation of trust in federal oversight.