Cod stock reassessment prompts calls from producers to end moratorium

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans changed the status of northern cod last year from 'critical' to ‘cautious.’ (Hans-Petter Fjeld)

A recent reassessment of Newfoundland and Labrador's northern cod stock has some in the industry calling an end to the commercial moratorium implemented in 1992.

Alberto Wareham, president and CEO of Icewater Seafoods in Arnold's Cove, says last year's reassessment — the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in reviewing historical data, moved cod from the "critical" zone to the "cautious" zone — could signal the potential for a limited commercial harvest.

"We're hoping now with more confidence in the stock we would see a reopening of a commercial cod fishery," he said.

Wareham says he and producers have met with the federal department to give suggestions for the coming fishing season, with the minister expected to decide the cod quota in early June. He said he thinks it should rise from its current 13,000 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes. He said the industry's catch rate of total cod biomass was only two per cent, so even doubling the quote would still be a "very conservative approach," he said.

Alberto Wareham, president and CEO of Icewater Seafoods, says there should be an limited commercial cod harvest. (CBC)

Last year, DFO research scientist Paul Regular told CBC News that although cod is out of the critical zone, there are still some concerns about its future as its main food source, capelin, hasn't recovered from a slump in numbers.

In a January press release, Fish, Food & Allied Workers president Greg Pretty said harvesters hope the new assessment will mean an increase in harvest amount.

"Increasing the northern cod harvest amount this season is critical for rural sustainability and an opportunity to diversify and increase incomes for seasonal workers," Pretty said.

Reopening the commercial cod industry would be a "huge development" for the province, said Wareham.

"No one in the industry wants a repeat of 1992. We want to start a commercial fishery this year and start building it for the future and managing it."

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