The Atlantic Groundfish Council represents year-round groundfish harvesters in Atlantic Canada. We believe in a sustainable, stable and prosperous groundfish industry for Canada, and we are committed to doing our part to make that vision a reality.
Did you know that groundfish harvested off the shores of Atlantic Canada find their way to dinner plates around the world? Whether it be sushi-grade redfish, premium cod loins or IQF haddock, the quality and value of Atlantic Canadian seafood is acknowledged worldwide.
Our industry provides thousands of year-round jobs in areas where employment alternatives are often limited. We are an anchor industry that not only supports the crews on vessels and workers in plants, but also workers in boatyards, cold storage facilities, gear providers, welding shops, maintenance facilities and other service industries that are tightly integrated in the marine sector.
Decisions made about catch levels today can affect the health of the fish stock for the next year and even the next decade. We support a conservative approach to harvest planning that addresses uncertainty in biological and ecological knowledge to ensure fish stocks remain resilient to environmental change and ecosystem shifts.
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(April 3, 2025 – St. John’s, NL) – Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) held a technical briefing on the 2025 science assessment for the 2J3KL Northern cod stock off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The 2025 numbers confirm that Northern cod now has the second largest Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) of […]
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(as originally published by The Hill Times July 15, 2024, located here) Despite seeking a bigger allowable catch, The Atlantic Groundfish Council respects the minister’s decision to take a small, cautious step to a commercial fishery. It makes sense that in the country with the longest coastline in the world, fish and seafood are among […]
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Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) made a historic decision to be celebrated in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Lebouthillier has announced the reopening of a commercial fishery for the iconic 2J3KL Northern cod stock for the first time in decades. The 2024-2025 season will open with a […]
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(as originally published by Saltwire Network February 15, 2024, located here) The rebounded redfish stock in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Gulf) presents real opportunity for people and communities throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec. But in a highly competitive global market, industry needs to be equal parts realistic about the opportunity and focused on achieving it, […]
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