ST. JOHN’SNL , June 24, 2022 /CNW/ – Cod is culturally and economically important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Fisheries and Oceans Canada understands the heavy responsibility of fisheries decisions and the very real impact they have on the livelihoods of Canadians. When making decisions, we consider the best available scientific advice, stakeholder input as well as economic impact.
Established in 2006, the cod stewardship fishery allows a limited fishery by the inshore fleet to continue so that the Government of Canada can get a better understanding of the stock.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Joyce Murray, announced that the maximum allowable harvest level for the 2022 Northern Cod (2J3KL) stewardship fishery on the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador will remain the same as last year (12,999 tons) in order to continue to allow the regeneration of the stock.
Included in this amount, 2,600 t were reserved for fishermen fishing in 2J (off Labrador). This recognizes the unique challenges faced by anglers in this region, including poor weather conditions, travel further afield to fish, and reductions in other commercial fisheries in 2022.
Our decisions aim to keep our oceans healthy while allowing access to this important resource to support economic opportunities in communities.
Quotation
“This management decision prioritizes the recovery of this stock, while ensuring that fishers still have reasonable access to this important stock for cultural and economic reasons. Thank you to the fishing industry, Indigenous groups, ENGOs and others for their participation in this year’s consultative processes. I wish all anglers participating in this fishery a safe and prosperous fishing season! »
The Honorable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Fast facts
- The 2022 Northern cod Stewardship Fishery (2J3KL) management decision is a deferral of the 2021 maximum allowable harvest level of 12,999 tonnes.
- The 2,600t set aside for anglers fishing in 2J recognizes the unique challenges faced by anglers in this region.
- The total harvest level was calculated using the harvest decision rule (HDR) established in the rebuilding plan for this stock. It is consistent with the most recent scientific advice which included a one-year projection which predicted that the stock should remain stable.
- Since 2006, an inshore northern cod stewardship fishery has been permitted to allow fishermen to test their beliefs about the health of the stock. The information obtained contributes to stock assessment and future management of the stock.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
For further information: Claire Teichman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 604-679-5462, [email protected]; Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]
