PC party leader attends the protest in support of fishermen | SaltWire #newsupdate #newfoundlandThe harvester from Rocky Harbour is ready to retire, but is concerned about the current state and the future of the inshore fishery in western Newfoundland.
He gave his own personal example of what it’s like being at the whim of buyers under the current system. Last year, he said the union — FFAW-Unifor — had negotiated a price of $8.45 per pound for lobster.However, when he went to sell them, the buyer refused to do so for that price. A week later, the buyer took the lobster from Decker for $7.26 per pound.
House, who is also primarily a lobster harvester, said it’s already expensive enough trying to find his way into the industry. The uncertainty around being able to sell his product for an acceptable price in a timely manner is definitely concerning for him. “I think we need more opportunities and more outside influence on buyers,” he said. “I don’t think there’s enough competition in the market for us.”For Decker, the future of the fishery in western Newfoundland is not just about lobster, of which he says there are plenty.“We have a number of fisheries that have collapsed or closed and there is no master plan in place for rebuilding these stocks,” said Decker.
Colby House, 19, of Daniel’s Harbour is trying to find his way as a young harvester in the fishing industry. – Gary Kean/Saltwire NetworkThe ongoing demonstrations come as the scheduled start of the 2024 snow crab season nears. Jeff Griffin, FFAW-Unifor’s member representative for 4R3PN, which covers the Northern Peninsula and southwest coast of Newfoundland, emphasized the call for changes are for all species and not just snow crab.Thursday’s demonstration in Corner Brook was a peaceful one. Harvesters did not impede traffic or stop anyone from entering or leaving the provincial government building.