March 31, 2026 – Paris, France – The Atlantic Groundfish Council (AGC) is welcoming the outcome of the recent Canada-France bilateral meeting on the 3Ps cod stock, where both countries agreed to maintain the total allowable catch (TAC) at current levels for the 2026–2027 fishing season and to undertake a review of the 3Ps Cod Rebuilding Plan.
The 3Ps cod stock, located off the south coast of Newfoundland, has faced ongoing ecosystem challenges in recent years. The most recent science assessment confirmed that while fishing pressure remains very low, stock growth continues to be limited by environmental factors.
“The decision to maintain the current TAC reflects a responsible and science-based approach to managing this stock,” said Vanessa Bourgeois, Director of Fisheries Management and Science with the Atlantic Groundfish Council. “With uncertainty around stock growth and ecosystem conditions, stability in harvest levels is the right path forward while we work to strengthen the rebuilding plan.”
As part of the bilateral discussions, Canada and France also agreed to move forward with a review of the 3Ps Cod Rebuilding Plan. This review will ensure the plan reflects the latest scientific understanding of the stock and supports effective long-term management.
“The commitment to review the rebuilding plan is an important step,” added Bourgeois. “As conditions in the ecosystem evolve, our management approaches must evolve as well. We look forward to contributing to that work alongside DFO and other partners.”
The AGC has consistently advocated for a cautious, sustainability-focused approach to 3Ps cod, including maintaining low fishing pressure and supporting initiatives that contribute to stock rebuilding. The offshore sector continues to operate a limited, highly controlled fishery that provides important data to inform science and management decisions.
“While this continues to be a challenging period for 3Ps cod, today’s outcome reflects a shared commitment to long-term sustainability,” said Carey Bonnell, Vice President of Sustainability & Engagement with family-owned Ocean Choice International. “The collective focus remains on rebuilding the stock in a way that supports both the ecosystem and the coastal communities that depend on it.”
Maintaining a stable, low-level fishery is also important for the rural communities and workers who rely on the sector. AGC member companies provide stable employment in communities throughout rural Atlantic Canada, including at processing facilities like Icewater Seafoods in Arnold’s Cove, NL, where approximately 280 people are employed almost year-round processing only cod.
“At Icewater, we take a long-term view of this resource,” said Alberto Wareham, President and CEO of Icewater Seafoods. “Our company and our people understand the importance of keeping catch levels low while the stock rebuilds. That commitment to sustainability is what allows us to continue providing stable, year-round employment and high-quality products to global markets.”
AGC and its members continue to support rebuilding 3Ps cod by coordinating a 3Ps Cod Fishery Improvement Project, contributing to ongoing scientific research and actively participating in upcoming review and improvement of the 3Ps Cod Rebuilding Plan.
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About the Atlantic Groundfish Council
The Atlantic Groundfish Council is a non-profit industry association representing year-round groundfish harvesters in Atlantic Canada. Its members employ thousands of people, mostly in year-round jobs in rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada. The Council contributes to research that will improve the sustainability and management of groundfish fisheries by actively supporting science, sustainability certifications and responsible management.