Oregon Legislative Bill Targets Pacifc Seafood Group
According to The Register-Guard, Senate Bill 668 was introduced in the Oregon State Legislature with an eye directed toward Clackamas-based Pacific Seafood Group, which it was reported has become the nation’s largest seafood processor in recent years. The bill would limit the fishing permits that could be issued to any one company. (Bill Targets Powerful Seafood Processor, The Register-Guard, March 15, 2011.)
The company’s lawyer said at a Senate committee hearing Monday that the bill unfairly targets a successful, family-owned Oregon company, one that has helped fishermen by developing new markets. But some fishermen charge that the company has created an illegal monopoly, holding down prices for Oregon’s fishing fleet. However, testimony at the hearing on the matter was that company owns only 21 of the 2,200 available fishing permits in various industries. (Id.)
If true, enacting such legislation would seem inappropriate and could set a dangerous precedent. Were there a strong argument that an illegal monopoly existed, there should also be other legal remedies available, including a government enforcement action or a private antitrust suit. And The Register-Herald reports that there is indeed already a class action antitrust lawsuit filed against the company in Medford, Oregon. (Id.)
