Quinlan files lawsuit seeking damages following seizure and destruction of snow crab
Quinlan has filed a statement of claim in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, seeking damages arising from the unjustified and illegal seizure and destruction of snow crab by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in July 2024.
The lawsuit alleges that government officials acted without lawful authority in seizing and subsequently destroying approximately 52,000 pounds of processed crab ready for market belonging to Quinlan, causing substantial financial losses and significant harm to the company’s reputation.
“This action is not about the current government, and it should not come as a surprise,” said Quinlan President Robin Quinlan. “We made a commitment to find a way to resolve the financial losses caused by the destruction of our crab. This is about ensuring accountability for decisions made under the previous administration that caused substantial harm to our company, our employees and the communities that depend on us.”
Quinlan alleges that actions taken under the leadership of former fisheries minister Gerry Byrne caused significant damage to the company’s reputation in domestic and international seafood markets.
“Businesses must be able to trust that government regulators will act fairly, lawfully and based on sound evidence,” said Quinlan. “After being fully acquitted of all charges, we believe it is important to seek compensation for the losses we suffered and to ensure this never happens to another Newfoundland and Labrador business.”
The Statement of Claim outlines a series of allegations, including unlawful search and seizure, negligent investigation, misfeasance in public office, defamation, and the violations of rights protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The legal action follows Quinlan’s acquittal on all charges in Provincial Court on November 13, 2025.
Quinlan remains committed to our employees, our industry partners, our communities, and to upholding the highest standards of seafood quality for Newfoundland and Labrador and the world.
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