St. John’s – Late yesterday afternoon, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced the 2018 catch limit for the 2J3KL Northern Cod Stewardship (commercial) fishery to be 9,500 mt. It’s a reduction of about 25% from 2017. While some groups were advocating for minimal changes in 2018, the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC), recommended that DFO set the catch more in line with the trajectory of the stock at 6,000 mt.
“Although the 25% reduction in catch may be a step in the right direction, it falls short of meeting the recommendation from many stakeholders and DFO scientists that removals be kept at the lowest possible levels,” explained Kris Vascotto, Executive Director of the GEAC. “The 9,500mt doesn’t include additional removals to come from the largely unregulated recreational fishery.”
In 2015, when this stock was at the same level and increasing, roughly 4,400mt of cod was landed. Now on the heels of a 29% single-year decline and with further declines expected, the catch is set at more than double the 2015 amount.
“While we’re glad to see DFO recognize a reduction was needed, overall it’s a disappointing decision because it doesn’t go far enough,” Vascotto added.
“There is a need to focus on the long-term, to be patient and go-slow in our approach towards a sustainable recovery,” said Alberto Wareham, President and CEO of Icewater Seafoods in Arnold’s Cove, NL. Icewater’s plant and its 210 employees rely solely on cod, yet the company has been vocal on its desire for DFO to keep catches low. “The sustainability of the resource has to be the top priority. If we don’t protect the fish in the water, nothing else matters,” Wareham added.
“Northern Cod is a particularly special stock in Newfoundland and Labrador. It has shaped our culture and our survival so there is a sense of nostalgia,” commented Blaine Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Choice International, whose family has been harvesting cod for generations. “But if we want the stock to rebuild and continue to be part of our fishery for future generations, we need to be patient. We need to allow the stock to rebuild.”
“Northern Cod is deep within its Critical Zone and fishery removals are the only removals we can control,” added Sullivan.
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Media Contact:
Sarah Fleming, Director of Communications, GEAC
709.725.5830 I [email protected]
About GEAC
The Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council is a non-profit industry association representing year-round groundfish harvesters in Atlantic Canada. GEAC contributes to research that will improve the sustainability and management of groundfish fisheries by actively supporting science, sustainability certifications and responsible management.