Tag Archives: shrimp harvesters
Harvesters Applaud Long-Overdue Changes to Northern Shrimp Assessment; New Model Moves Species into Healthy Zone
FFAW-Unifor welcomes the updated Northern Shrimp assessment model, which officially shifts the species into the healthy zone under revised stock areas, assessment model and reference points. FFAW scientist Dr. Erin Carruthers participated in the assessment process, along with shrimp harvesters Chris Rose and Heather Starkes, who praised the innovative and collaborative approach to align the assessment process with ecosystem realities. “This is a long overdue recognition of the ecological realities in Newfoundland and Labrador marine ecosystems. We appreciate the considerable efforts to solve this long-standing issue and the commitment of shrimp harvesters and Dr. Erin Carruthers, to see this effort through to the end,” says FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street, adding that, “the next step, of course, is to ensure inshore fleets’ access and allocations reflect the change in stock status.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:29
DFO ‘intellectually and morally bankrupt’ in provincial redfish allocations, N.L. minister says
Corner Brook MHA and former provincial fisheries minister Gerry Byrne says Newfoundland and Labrador deserves a higher allocation of redfish this season and is calling the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans “intellectually and morally bankrupt” in its decision-making. Nova Scotia received 33 per cent of the quota, Québec 32 per cent, New Brunswick 11 per cent and P.E.I. five per cent. Indigenous fishers and shrimp harvesters will also get an allocation of redfish following a reduction in shrimp quotas. more, >>click to read<< 08:59
Panel Decision Opposite of Strong Market Indicators, Harvesters Outraged
Shrimp harvesters across the province are outraged by the result of the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel’s decision to set the minimum price for summer shrimp at just $0.90/lb. The decision to side with ASP’s final offer is entirely unsupported by market realities, which show distinct market improvements in recent months. “The Panel’s decision yesterday is incomprehensible. Taking into consideration the significant increase in operational costs, particularly for fuel, fish harvesters will not come close to breaking even at this insultingly low price,” says FFAW-Unifor Sullivan President Keith Sullivan. “The Panel has absolutely not justified themselves in selecting this price,” he says. >click to read press release< 19:06
Despite cutbacks and an extended crab fishery, shrimp harvesters still making their way
With increased uncertainty for the industry, shrimp fishermen along the Northern Peninsula are still working hard and hoping for the best in the midst of another season. Anchor Point fisherman Roland Genge says Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 8 has supplied his boat with roughly 800-1000 pounds per hour, and in areas like Port Harbour, it can be found all over the ground. “Boats are spread right out and getting pretty much the same amount of catch right on through,” Genge said.,, With biomass declining and quota cuts causing mass grievance among fishermen across the island, Genge says the fears and anxieties surrounding the shrimp populations are not to be found where he’s been casting nets. The shrimp population appears as plentiful as ever. click here to read the story 09:35
Northern Peninsula Shrimp harvesters vow to keep fighting quota cuts
“I respect science but, if I get cut, everybody across the board should be cut evenly,” he said. “I can live with it then. But for us to take 80 or 90 per cent of the cut is not sensible, it’s unreasonable and I hope we’ve got the balls to do something about it and curtail those bureaucrats in Ottawa.” westernstar Read more here 01:10
