Shrimp Fleet Reaching out to Premier for Intervention as Frustrations Build
May 31, 2023
The 4R Shrimp Fleet is looking to Premier Andrew Furey to intervene in the current shrimp crisis, following the second year of buyers refusing to pay a fair price for their catch.
“Premier Furey intervened in the snow crab crisis and helped facilitate a solution to that situation. The 4R Shrimp fleet is feeling ignored in an equally pressing situation to these individuals, and they are seeking the same kind of intervention here,” says FFAW-Unifor Secretary-Treasurer Jason Spingle. “We know Premier Furey is a busy person, but we hope he can spare some of his time to meet with the 4R fleet and hear their concerns,” Spingle says.
Since last week, one boat that made a trip to Quebec landed there again today, and at least two more boats are fishing with the same plan. “This fleet would prefer to see all NL shrimp processed here in the province, but with companies refusing to pay a fair price and bills needing to be paid, they’re left with no choice,” Spingle says.
The Northern Peninsula has welcomed Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and tourists alike, however they feel that that’s the only plan on the agenda. “Last year we were going to blockade the road at the beginning of the Viking Trail to let people know our desperate situation and we’re in a more desperate situation now. If it’s no good for fishing, it’s no good for anyone else,” says Fleet Chair and Anchor Point harvester Rendell Genge.
Earlier this week President Greg Pretty contacted Labour Minister Bernie Davis to request a mediator however is yet to receive a response.