OTTAWA, ON, April 5, 2022 /CNW/ - The cod fishery has tremendous economic, cultural and historical importance to the people and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced that an agreement has been reached with France regarding 3Ps cod for the 2022-23 fishing season. Both countries intend to roll over the current total allowable catch (TAC) of 1,346 tonnes.
Canada and France (in respect of Saint Pierre and Miquelon) co-manage fish stocks, including cod, in the 3Ps zone off the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Under the Procès-Verbal Agreement, the two countries meet annually to negotiate management measures, including the TAC of these shared stocks in the North Atlantic.
A November 2021 stock assessment concluded the 3Ps cod stock has remained in the critical zone since the early 2000s, however fishing mortality is at its lowest level in decades. The development of a rebuilding plan for 3Ps cod is underway in consultation with a working group that includes stakeholders from industry, environmental non-government organizations, and provincial and territorial governments.
This agreement with France will help protect jobs and alleviate economic strain for businesses and communities, while also recognizing the need to protect and rebuild the stock. We have a duty to manage this resource responsibly so it continues to hold its cultural and economic value for generations to come.
"I know how important cod is to fishers who depend on it, and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It is encouraging to see the stock showing signs of modest growth. Maintaining the total allowable catch for 3Ps cod at the same level as last year is a responsible decision to take and gives harvesters predictability. I remain focused on helping grow Canada's seafood industry, which includes working with harvesters and other partners on the cod rebuilding plan. Our shared commitment to sustainability ensures the stock will continue to benefit future generations."
The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
- Canada entered the negotiations recommending a rollover of the previous year's TAC of 1,346 tonnes.
- A November 2021 stock assessment concluded the 3Ps cod stock has remained in the critical zone, where it has been since the early 2000s. The results of the stock assessment indicate that natural mortality continues to be driving the stock growth and recovery. Fishing mortality has been at the lowest level since the moratorium from 1994 to 1996. The number of young fish has remained among the lowest in the time series.
- Canada and France have also agreed on a rollover of TACs for 3Ps Witch flounder, Unit 2 Redfish, and 3Ps Iceland scallop, and to maintain a moratorium for 3Ps American plaice.
- The 2022 stock assessment is currently being finalized and will be published on the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat website when completed.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
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]
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