No Changes to 2005 Management Plan for Northern Cod

Media Advisory

Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that there will be no directed commercial fishery for northern cod in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL.

"The northern cod stock is at an historically low level and has shown few signs of overall recovery since it collapsed in 1992. While there is evidence of northern cod abundance in some inshore areas of the northeast coast, this is not a reflection of the state of the overall stock. Allowing directed fishing on this stock will not contribute to the overall recovery of northern cod and might even hinder it," said Minister Regan.

"There are other groundfish fisheries in 2J3KL in 2005, including lumpfish and Winter Flounder (blackback)," said Minister Regan. "Cod is a bycatch in these and other groundfish fisheries. Bycatch restrictions of northern cod need to be managed to ensure that northern cod landings are kept to the lowest possible level while allowing these non-cod fisheries to continue. Departmental officials continue to work closely with industry to adapt appropriate bycatch protocols."

The minister also reiterated that there would be no recreational fishing of cod in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL and 4Rs3Pn. "I have closely followed the ongoing debate about commercial and recreational cod fisheries in 2J3KL. As I have stated in the past, to permit such fisheries would be irresponsible and in contradiction of Fisheries and Oceans' responsibilities to conserve and protect fish stocks. The long-term health of this stock should be everyone's priority," said the Minister.

2002 was the last year that a directed commercial or recreational fishery of northern cod occurred in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL.

Media may also contact:

Brian Undershill
Director, Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474

Jan Woodford
Regional Director, Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, NL Region
St. John's NL
(709) 772-7622

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Economics and Industry

Page details

Date modified:: 2005-07-27

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

No Changes to 2005 Management Plan for Northern Cod

Media Advisory

Page details