St. John's -
The Standing Price-Setting Panel has set the price of crab for the 2010 harvest at $1.35 per pound.
Fisheries Minister Clyde Jackman confirmed the decision Friday.
The panel made its decision without any input from the Association of Seafood Producers, which represents the bulk of crab producers in the province.
The association is boycotting the panel, having accused it of being biased in favour of harvesters and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers' union.
It's not known if the price will mean a timely start to the fishery.
Harvesters have previously stated they cannot fish for anything less than a $1.50 per pound, while producers have suggested such a position is "divorced from reality" because of the weak marketplace.





