ST. JOHN'S - The provincial government has backed down - but just for the rest of this season - on a dispute with the sea urchin industry. Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen says a rule requiring sea urchin crews to include a dedicated safety diver will not be enforced this year. However, Whalen says the province will apply the rule next year. Commercial divers and sea urchin harvesters say the province's rule has put the industry in jeopardy.

From Oct. 7:Regulation snag holding up sea urchin fishery The province had maintained its interpretation of Canadian Standards Association rules required having a safety diver on standby, out of the water. The CSA itself, though, has said the government's interpretation is wrong. Harvesters said the province's rule would have made an already expensive business even more costly. Sea urchins are a delicacy in Asian markets. Divers collect them by hand in several locations along the coastline.

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