Canada Rejects French Snow Crab Licence in Grand Banks Dispute
Canada's fisheries minister, Joanne Thompson, has clarified that France has not issued a new snow crab fishing licence in the Grand Banks fishery, despite earlier promises from French President Emmanuel Macron. The fishery is valued at $20 million annually. Thompson made the statement on Friday evening, confirming that Canadian officials had verified the licence had not been granted with their French counterparts. Canada maintains that the area is part of its extended continental shelf and opposes any foreign fishing activity there.
The controversy stems from Macron's pledge to ASPM Océan, a company based in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, to grant an exploratory licence allowing up to 1,500 tonnes of snow crab annually for five years. The promise was made during Macron's visit to the French islands, where he met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Canadian government has since expressed disappointment and urged France to withdraw the pledge, emphasizing that any licensing discussions should occur through established bilateral channels.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham has also voiced his opposition to France's position, aligning with Ottawa's stance to protect the industry. The legal dispute centers around the overlapping claims of Canada and France to the extended continental shelf, with both nations having submitted their claims to the United Nations in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Kevin Anderson, head of the School of Fisheries at Memorial University's Marine Institute, noted that Canada's historical fishing rights, legal structure, and past court rulings strengthen its claim.
Eric Cormier, owner of ASPM Océan, defended the potential fishery, asserting it would benefit the local economy and denying any plans to fish in Canadian waters. The fishing industry is a crucial economic driver for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, with approximately 5,800 residents. Meanwhile, local crab harvesters in Newfoundland have raised concerns about the precedent such a licence could set.