FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. John’s, NL – March 28, 2025. The Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) is raising serious concerns about political interference and delays in the snow crab pricing process—threatening the stability of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most vital industry.
Despite a clear legal deadline of 1 April to finalize crab prices, the provincial government is once again attempting to shift the goalposts. ASP warns that this interference not only undermines the legislated process but also opens the door to chaos, intimidation, and lawlessness—none of which have any place in our industry.
“The industry cannot function when decisions are delayed and disrupted by politics and pressure,” said Jeff Loder, Executive Director of ASP. “Families, harvesters, plant workers, and entire communities depend on this fishery. This is about more than prices—it’s about stability, trust, and the rule of law.”
The Minister’s attempt to unilaterally change that date violates the legislation designed to protect the integrity of the industry. Market confidence is beginning to waver. International buyers are watching, and the world is losing faith in Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to manage its seafood industry. At no point was ASP—or its members—consulted on the decision to delay the established deadline for snow crab pricing from 1 April to the 13th, or the subsequent decision to move the Panel deadline date from 28 March to 7 April.
“We’re calling on government to stop bending to pressure and to let the Panel do its job,” Loder added. “The only path forward as we see it, is to to take our concerns to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure accountability and transparency. The full record will be presented.”
The future of the fishery depends on fair, independent decision-making.
This situation has gone too far. The people of this province deserve better.
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Media Contact:
Samantha Allen
sallen@pilotcom.ca cell 902-717-8893
Alternate: cell 709-682-2682
