St. John’s – Yesterday afternoon, DFO announced increased catch limits for the inshore fishery for Northern Cod, at a time when the recovery of this iconic cod resource appears to be stalling.
The Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC) is concerned with the approach, seeing it as far too risky. In his mandate letter to the Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau cited the importance of a precautionary approach. GEAC is urging Minister Leblanc to exercise caution to ensure the stock is able to rebuild to levels that allow a viable fishery. GEAC’s concern with the increase is based on the following realities:
- The survey biomass was predicted by DFO science to increase by 22%. The actual increase in the last year was only 7%. While the stock is recovering, the recovery has slowed and restraint is critical.
- Northern Cod spawning stock biomass is currently well within the critical zone and is only 35% of the level required to support a full fishery. Other species, including cod and flatfish stock of NL have recovered much further and they remain under moratorium.
- In addition to the apparent slow-down in the recovery of this cod stock, scientists have expressed concern about the poor abundance of capelin, the main food source for this important cod stock.
To avoid past mistakes, catch should not be increased until there is a clear demonstration of sustainable recovery.
In a recent letter published by Nature Journal of Science, independent scientists also encouraged the Federal Government to allow the stock to grow before increasing its harvest. The article can be read here.
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Media Contact:
Sarah Fleming
709.725.5830
sarah@covepublicaffairs.ca