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Northern cod has been deep in the critical zone for close to 30 years. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recently met virtually with representatives from the fishing industry, Indigenous groups, the scientific community and non-governmental organizations, including Oceana Canada, to discuss this year’s fishing quota for the fragile fishery.
To successfully rebuild this historic fish population to a healthy level, Oceana Canada is urging DFO to complete its long-promised and long-overdue rebuilding plan and ensure fishing is kept to the lowest possible level. “Taking these steps now will help give northern cod a fighting chance to return to abundance,” said Dr. Robert Rangeley, Oceana Canada’s Director of Science. |
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“We recognize the value of a Stewardship Fishery as it is an important source of income for communities. Maintaining the same quota as 2018 – a maximum of 9,500 tonnes – would serve this purpose and help correct the harmful decision taken in 2019, when DFO ignored scientific advice and increased the quota by 30 per cent to 12,350 tonnes,” said Rangeley.
Population growth has stalled in recent years as cod face poor environmental conditions due to climate change and declining availability of prey: capelin and shrimp. In turn, this has led to an increase in starvation and cannibalism.
DFO committed to finalizing a rebuilding plan in 2019. The plan has not been completed and there is no revised date for when it might be. DFO should prioritize the completion of the plan this year. |
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