(as originally published by Saltwire July 10, 2024, located here)
The 1992 cod moratorium announcement remains a vivid memory for many, me included, as someone who grew up on the Northern Peninsula during the period leading up to the closure.
The cod moratorium changed the trajectory of families and communities, haunting many ever since.
It is understandable, then, that some people weren’t sure what to think when Minister Lebouthillier announced the end of the 32-year moratorium on June 26, 2024.
Good news
As vice-president of sustainability and engagement at Ocean Choice for the past six years, and former head of the School of Fisheries at Marine Institute for almost a decade before that, I understood it was good news for the fishery and the province.
More importantly, as someone who was born and raised in a cod-fishing family, I see this as an opportunity for a modern reset for our northern cod fishery.
Sadly, as is all too often the case in our fisheries, the conversation has had more political positioning than celebrating it for what it is – a scientifically-sound decision presenting Newfoundland and Labrador with an opportunity for economic growth while creating a success story from a once-failed fishery.
Stewardship to commercial
So here are some fundamental points related to the reopening.
The transition from a stewardship to a commercial fishery is based on the introduction of historical data into DFO’s cod assessment model which resulted in an improved understanding of stock productivity and allowed science to determine that northern cod has been in the ‘cautious zone’ within DFOs precautionary approach framework since 2016.
This determination was once again verified in DFO’s subsequent 2024 northern cod stock assessment, an independent peer-reviewed process.
The stewardship fishery is a post-moratorium construct implemented to support a small-scale fishery when the stock was in the critical zone. I don’t believe such a term exists in any other fishery.
Northern cod is now the second-largest groundfish stock in Atlantic Canada and the third-largest cod stock in the world. The idea that DFO could maintain a stewardship fishery contradicts modern fisheries management approaches.
Conservative opening
For those worried about repeating past mistakes: keep in mind the minister’s decision established a very conservative exploitation rate of approximately six per cent for this year.
Most cod fisheries today have exploitation rates in excess of 20 per cent and northern cod exploitation rates exceeded 50 per cent leading up to the moratorium.
Furthermore, northern cod is assessed annually, and exploitation rates can be adjusted accordingly based on survey results. This should be a comforting tool for anyone focused on the sustainable management of this stock.
Misinformation and fear
The misinformation and fear-mongering regarding the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore sector is especially disappointing. Some misconceptions about trawling linger from pre-moratorium fisheries, but others are perpetuated by groups attempting to advance their own agendas.
Just like every other industry, the seafood industry has changed drastically over the past three decades. The offshore sector today adheres to rigorous standards, including 100 per cent observer coverage, vessel monitoring systems and many other measures to minimize environmental impacts for all species. These measures are essential for preserving marine ecosystems while meeting global food demand responsibly.
Iceland example
Iceland provides a notable example where trawling has been effectively managed within well-established sustainability frameworks.
Their approach, supported by robust scientific data and adaptive management practices, has enabled them to sustainably harvest cod for decades while mitigating environmental impacts.
Not only is Icelandic Cod certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) – the world’s gold standard in sustainability certifications – but the MSC website specifies the fishery as including a “… range of vessels that catch cod. Around half is caught by trawlers. These range from relatively small vessels operating closer to shore to large factory freezer trawlers…”. This international best practice serves as a valuable guide for our own efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Good start
What should be most celebrated in the reopening decision is domestic allocations were provided to Newfoundland and Labrador inshore, northern, Indigenous and offshore interests to the sole benefit of this province.
That’s 18,000 MT of cod that will be harvested, processed and marketed in this province over longer operating seasons, making us far more competitive globally. This is a very good start to a reopened commercial fishery.
The northern cod fishery represents a complex but manageable challenge — one that requires a balanced approach guided by science, industry collaboration and responsible stewardship.
By upholding these principles, we can collectively ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador’s fisheries continue to thrive for generations to come. But it will require all of us — as a province and as fishery participants — to focus on science, sustainability, and facts.
Carey Bonnell is the vice-president of sustainability and engagement for Ocean Choice International.