FFAW-Unifor Applauds Provincial Government’s Move to Strengthen Owner-Operator Fishery with New Co-Op Model for Snow Crab Harvesters

ST. JOHN’S, NL – FFAW-Unifor proudly commends the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, for today’s announcement of the Industry Balance and Opportunity Licensing Approach, a transformative initiative that bolsters the owner-operator fishery and fosters a more competitive and balanced snow crab industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Byrne’s forward-thinking policy, which allows groups of eligible inshore harvesters to access new snow crab primary processing licenses, is a game-changer for our province’s fishery. By empowering harvesters with a combined access of 4.5 million pounds of snow crab to form cooperative, independently owned processing entities, this approach delivers on the Minister’s November 2024 10-point plan to enhance competition, increase processing capacity, and curb corporate concentration.

“This is a landmark moment for our inshore harvesters, who are the backbone of our fishery,” said FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street. “Minister Byrne’s leadership in creating opportunities for harvesters to take control of their own processing and marketing is a powerful step toward self-determination and economic independence. This policy not only strengthens the owner-operator model but also ensures a more equitable and competitive market for the benefit of our coastal communities.”

The Industry Balance and Opportunity Licensing Approach aligns with FFAW-Unifor’s long-standing advocacy for policies that prioritize coastal sustainability and protect the integrity of the inshore fishery. By requiring that new processing entities be free from ownership by existing industry players and meet stringent regulatory and business standards, the policy safeguards against further consolidation and promotes competition in a market with a small handful of large corporate entities.

FFAW-Unifor is particularly encouraged by the cooperative framework of this initiative, which fosters collaboration among harvesters while ensuring compliance with provincial regulations, including minimum processing and production requirements. This approach not only enhances capacity but also empowers harvesters to play a central role in the value chain, driving economic growth and sustainability in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We thank Minister Byrne for his commitment to rebalancing the inshore fishery and for recognizing the vital role of our harvesters,” says Street. “FFAW-Unifor looks forward to supporting our members as they seize this opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient fishery for generations to come.”