Canastra Brothers Deal to Buy Rafael Fleet Opens Door to Corruption in New Bedford (Opinion)
SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton (Editorial) October 6, 2017
The proposed deal by the Canastra Brothers to buy Carlos Rafael’s Groundfish and Scallop Fleets for $91 million is a bridge to far.
The reason is that the Canastra’s already own the New Bedford Fish Auction, BASE, as well as an auction in Gloucester. The two BASE New England Auctions handle far more volume than either the Portland Auction, or the Cape Ann Auction, which are not owned by BASE.
If the Canastra Brothers were to successfully gain control of Carlos Rafael’s fleet, they would own both the largest groundfish and scallop fleet in New England, with a significant stake in the quotas of many species and the auction through which those fish are sold.
This combination offers too many chances for price manipulation, favors, kickbacks and cheating.
The reputation of Ray and Richie Canastra is excellent....
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