Tag Archives: low crab prices

Willapa Bay crabbers deliver record haul

More than 1.5 million pounds of Dungeness crab have been caught by commercial fishermen in the bay this year, far exceeding previous annual landings records over the past 25 years. Despite a two-month delay in the 2022-2023 season that eventually began Feb. 1, the current commercial Dungeness landings are about 1.54 million pounds as of Monday, March 27, a roughly 23% increase over the previous record of 1.19 million pounds caught during the entire 2010-2011 season. Pinched by inflated fuel and expenses and a low price from processors, commercial crab fishermen would rather put this current season behind them as they prepare for the next fishery. “It’s been above average,” said commercial fishermen Ross Kary. “But with the crab price it’s still not the best year I’ve had. With the price of everything, expenses are really high. We were lucky to not go bankrupt.” Photos, >click to read< 20:20

No Charges Laid in Connection with Weekend Protest at FFAW: RNC

Despite concerns over the large gathering of protesters outside the FFAW offices on Saturday, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary indicates that no charges were laid in connection with the protest. Frustrations boiled over as crab harvesters face what they call an uneconomic future for their fishery, due to low crab prices and trip limits of 1,500 pounds weekly. Hundreds of harvesters gathered outside the FFAW-Unifor offices in the capital city, calling for the fishery to be shut down and for the federal government to step in with assistance. photos, >click to read< 16:38

Coronavirus: Hundreds of fish harvesters gather to protest – Concerns include low crab prices, trip limits and lack of federal funding

More than 200 fish harvesters stood side by side Saturday afternoon,,, The atmosphere was tense as protestors filled the parking lot of the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union’s headquarters in St. John’s to express their displeasure with the union’s actions on issues like low crab prices, trip limits and lack of federal funding. The crab season is slated to start Monday. “What did you do about it? F–king nothing,” one protestor yelled at FFAW President Keith Sullivan. Petty Harbour harvester Ronnie Bidgood said the union has told harvesters they are trying to get better prices, but he believes it is impossible in the current financial climate. “There is no cruise ships, there is no big restaurants, nothing is opening up, nobody is buying any shellfish,” he said. “FFAW has done nothing for us.” photo’s, video clips, >click to read< 19:11