Government Proposes a Snow Crab Working Group

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Government Proposes a Snow Crab Working Group

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage is calling on representatives from the snow crab industry to form a working group to discuss current issues and to develop long-term solutions.

"Last year harvesters had serious concerns about low prices and this year processors are concerned about high prices. Plant workers are concerned about the crab being exported and the lost work it represents," said Mr. Fage.

While some of the details will have to be worked out, the department wants to see participation from all sectors including harvesters, plant owners, plant workers, buyers, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"It is a priority that we establish a rapport among sectors of the industry that traditionally have not discussed issues pertaining to their fishery. We cannot be expected to help industry when there hasn't been a great effort to get everyone involved," said the minister. "Relationships need to be developed so that there is mutual respect for the legitimate interests of all sectors in the snow crab industry."

Issues to be discussed include strategies to remove trade barriers in other provinces, options to maximize the amount of crab processed in Nova Scotia and options to develop mechanisms to provide fair prices to harvesters and processors for snow crab.

"The fact that the 2002 season is almost over, the goal for the committee will be to develop solutions for issues in time for the 2003 fishing season." said Mr. Fage. "As a province we are looking at optimizing the economic benefits of this resource."

The department wants to see most of the work of the group completed during the fall and early winter. An initial meeting of the working group is planned for next month.