Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) held a technical briefing on the latest science assessment for the 3Ps cod stock, located off the south coast of Newfoundland. “The ecosystem in 3Ps continues to undergo structural changes and unfortunately, despite incredibly low fishing mortality levels, the south coast cod stock assessment is not showing the growth […]
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Northern cod decision means considerable boost to Newfoundland and Labrador economy over the next 12 months, but more was possible
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced the 2025-2026 decision for the iconic Northern cod stock. Referred to as 2J 3KL cod, the stock is located off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Northern cod is now the second largest cod stock by Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) in the world and […]
OPINION:The markets are hungry for Canadian cod. Will we deliver?
(as originally published by The Hill Times June 16,2025 located here.) With a decision from the fisheries minister expected any day now, the global and local realities of northern cod are aligning to create a well-timed economic opportunity As governments across Canada work to lessen the impact of trade uncertainty with the US, every industry […]
Northern Cod ‘Fishery Improvement Project’ stakeholders hold first meeting since commercial fishery reopened after 32-years
Stakeholders met in Barcelona today to discuss the ongoing Northern Cod ‘Fishery Improvement Project’ (FIP) – the group’s first official meeting since the 32-year moratorium ended in June 2024. They discussed the most recent science assessment, the 2024-2025 fishing season, and progress on the FIP over the last year. Stakeholders in attendance included Sustainable Fisheries […]
Northern Cod Stock Shows Significant Strength at First Science Update Since Moratorium Ended
(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 […]
BACKGROUNDER – Comparison of World’s Three Largest Cod Stocks
The 2025 numbers confirm that Northern cod now has the second largest Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) of any cod stock in the world with an exploitation rate remains well below other cod stocks. Stock Northern Cod (2J3KL) Iceland (Div. 5a) Barents Sea Northeast Arctic Cod Location Canada Iceland Northeast Arctic Most recent Spawning Stock Biomass […]
Atlantic Groundfish Council Continues Commitment to Sustainability and Rebuilding of Newfoundland’s South Coast Cod
Yesterday, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) held a technical briefing on the latest science assessment for the 3Ps cod stock, located off the south coast of Newfoundland. Similar to previous years, the results of the assessment continue to show signs of stock growth, but at a slow pace. Scientific projections indicate that this growth will […]
OPINION: Cod fishery revival offers a resurgence of hope
(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 […]
OPINION: Put the cod fishery focus on science, sustainability, and facts
(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, […]
Reopening of Iconic Northern Cod Fishery Monumental for People and Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador
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 […]