Harvesters and plant workers in Bay Roberts and across Newfoundland and Labrador are preparing to head back to work following a new agreement finalized on April 16, 2026, for the province’s snow crab fishery. The deal between FFAW-Unifor and the Association of Seafood Producers resolves months of negotiations and provides a framework for the 2026 commercial season.
The snow crab fishery is vital to the local economy, with a landed value reaching just over $700 million in 2025. Although the season officially opened on April 5, 2026, a pricing dispute had kept most harvesters on land. This new agreement replaces a previous decision by the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, which had set a price of $5.30 per pound after the union chose not to submit a competing proposal.
Under the new terms, harvesters will receive $6.00 per pound for snow crab with a carapace larger than four inches until April 18, 2026. Starting April 19, 2026, the price will shift to $5.75 per pound. Once the first market quote from Urner Barry for Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab sections is issued, prices will adjust based on market conditions. This structure eliminates the need for post-season adjustments that have caused friction in previous years.
The agreement is particularly important for coastal communities as the industry moves forward. While operations resume in many areas, harvesters in fishing zones 2J and 3K off the coast of Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland are still waiting for the season to begin as they continue to face severe ice conditions. For those areas, the deal provides necessary stability for when the fishery eventually opens in the coming weeks.
