ST.
JOHN'S, NL, June 26,
2024 /CNW/ - The government of Canada recognizes the historical, cultural and
economic importance of cod to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and is committed to the sustainable
management of this iconic species.
Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of
Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard announced the end
of the Northern cod moratorium off the north and east coasts of
Newfoundland and Labrador. This historic decision
re-establishes a commercial Northern cod fishery in NAFO Divisions
2J3KL with a Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 18,000 tonnes
for the 2024 season. The inshore fleet sector will receive
approximately eighty-four percent of the TAC, with twenty percent
of this inshore sector allocation provided to 2J-based harvesters
and six percent of the TAC is allocated to the Canadian
offshore fleet.
This responsible reopening will generate significant economic
benefits for Newfoundland and
Labrador's economy while
supporting good paying jobs in the commercial fishery and the
processing industry. It also follows last week's announcement of
the Recreational Groundfish Fishery which was a roll-over from
2023. The 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish
Fishery will be open this season for 39 days. It will be open every
Saturday, Sunday and Monday from June 29,
2024, up to and including September
2, 2024, and for nine days from Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Additionally, the department intends to eliminate the catch and
release aspect of tour boat operations in the recreational
groundfish fishery, and introduce a tagging regime starting in
2025. DFO will consult with tour boat operators in the fall of 2024
as a first step in developing this requirement.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada remains committed to sustainable
management practices that balance conservation with economic
considerations in Newfoundland and
Labrador's fisheries.
Quotes
"Ending the Northern cod moratorium is a historic milestone for
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It's through working together
that we have reached this moment. We will cautiously but
optimistically build back this fishery with the prime beneficiaries
being coastal and Indigenous communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As a government, we remain steadfast
in our commitment to fostering sustainable and economically
prosperous fisheries that honour our shared resources for
generations to come. I encourage all participants to prioritize
safety and enjoy a rewarding season on the water."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Northern Cod has a bright future in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our fishers have waited a long time
for the return of a commercial cod fishery, and they are ready to
meet the moment. Our processors are ready to deliver our province's
best product to markets at home, and abroad. Cod has been a part of
our history, and it will be a part of our future."
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic
Development
"The shutdown of the Northern Cod fishery more than 30 years ago
changed our province. Its return is historic. We now have the
chance to build a sustainable cod fishery that reflects the modern
industry it has - and can – become."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and
Seniors
"Historically, the Northern Cod Fishery has been one of the most
important industries in the province, it has defined our heritage
and our culture for generations. As MP for Avalon, I fully support
a lucrative and sustainable fishery."
Ken McDonald, Member of
Parliament for Avalon
"Like many of you, I remember the day we got the news announcing
the collapse of the Northern Cod. I remember the overall atmosphere
felt across our great province and the devastation it left. Today
is a great day; this fishery is coming back with the hopes of
sustaining this industry and our future generations for decades to
come, and I couldn't be happier for the prospects this brings."
Churence Rogers, Member of
Parliament for Bonavista –
Burin – Trinity
"Labrador has always had a
prominent place in the Northern Cod fishery. It has sustained
generations of our people and helped build strong coastal
communities. The reopening of the commercial cod fishery is a
bright day for our inshore, offshore and indigenous fishers of
Labrador. I look forward to the
sustainability the of this powerful coastal fishery for all our
people."
Yvonne Jones, Member of
Parliament for Labrador
"Northern cod has been an economically important and culturally
significant element of our province for decades. I fully support
our government's decision to open a lucrative and sustainable
northern cod fishery."
Joanne Thompson, Member of
Parliament for St. John's East
Quick Facts
- The 2J3KL Northern cod stock has been in the Cautious zone
since 2016. The transition to a commercial fishery for Northern cod
aligns with other Canadian groundfish stocks that are in the
Cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.
- The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) previously
established a measure to allocate five per cent of the overall TAC
to other NAFO contracting parties when Canada re-opens its commercial Northern cod
fishery. The Canadian TAC of 18,000t is considered 95 per cent of
the overall TAC.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada