Dunne Says Labrador Crab Should be Processed in Labrador

A review undertaken by Eric Dunne Consulting Limited on behalf of the Provincial Government has recommended that the crab processing regulation governing snow crab caught in NAFO area 2J in Labrador be maintained.

The regulation was established 1993 and provides for fish plants located in that region to maximize the supply of snow crab; to operate efficiently, and to derive maximum economic benefit for residents of Labrador.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Derrick Dalley has accepted those findings.

“The review was mandated to explore the current regulation and assess the effectiveness and implications on harvesters, processors, plant workers and other stakeholders in the Labrador region of the province,” Dalley said.

“The 2J crab regulation will ensure, in part, that the remaining crab plants in Mary’s Harbour and Cartwright have full access to adequate raw material.”

The Report on the Review of the Limitation on 2J Crab concludes that the 2J crab regulation has a sound basis in law and is well within the province’s constitutional power to maintain. It also concludes the regulation is based on valid, accepted and announced fishery policy objectives.

The report also notes that the current regulation is widely supported by industry participants and community groups. Supporters of the regulation claim that the overall positive effects outweigh the benefits of removing it and the regulation is still needed to continue providing benefits to communities adjacent to 2J.

The recommendations suggested by the consultant and the terms of reference of the report are contained in the Executive Summary, which is available online HERE.