North Coast crab fishermen fear economic disaster from unexpected closure

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – Angry crab fishermen on B.C.’s North Coast have blockaded the Department of Fisheries and Oceans office in Prince Rupert.

The blockade began at 9 a.m. this morning to protest what fishermen say is an arbitrary and unexpected decision to close the Dungeness crab fishery in the region, effective July 5.

Opponents of the closure say it amounts to an economic disaster for the financially depressed region which depends on the roughly 300 jobs created by the lucrative crab fishery.

As much as 50 per cent of all Dungeness crab harvested from the area is taken in July and August, with landed value of the shellfish pegged at $15-million.

The Area A Crab Association questions the process used to close the fishery, noting the association co-manages the fishery with DFO and has implemented some of the strictest monitoring and conservation measures.

Association members are vowing to continue the blockade and urge federal Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield and senior staff in Ottawa to reverse the closure decision imposed by a local manager.