Inshore Council Update – April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
This Inshore Council held a meeting this afternoon to discuss issues facing the inshore fishery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a very productive discussion surrounding safety and the safe work practices. Dr. Fitzgerald has provided comment on these safe work practices. We will be incorporating her comments as well as comments from OHS and will distribute to harvesters over the weekend.
There was significant discussion regarding further delays to the inshore fisheries. The Snow Crab Committee will be meeting this weekend to determine openings or further delays for crab. The Lobster Committee will be meeting on April 24 to determine openings or further delays for that fishery, and the Gulf Shrimp Committee will be meeting in the coming days for discussions on the gulf shrimp fishery. No fishery will open prior to May 1st.
The Inshore Council also passed a resolution demanding that the provincial government prohibit all out-of-province and out-of-country vessels from landing any product in Newfoundland and Labrador, until fish harvesters and plant workers have deemed it safe to do so. They are asking the provincial government to prioritize the health and safety of workers.
We will provide an update following the Crab Committee meeting this weekend.