Atlantic Cod - Northern and Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Species and Area

Atlantic Cod in the Northern and Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Areas 3Pn4RS and 4TVn).

Dates of season (subject to change)

Season dates particular to each fleet are specified within corresponding Conservation Harvesting Plans. Harvesters are advised that previously announced spawning closures for Cod will be maintained until midnight (24:00 hrs) on June 23.

Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)

In the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, due to serious concerns with the health of the cod stock, the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is set at 2 000 t. All existing sharing arrangements will be respected. A portion of the TAC will be allocated for Sentinel fishery activities and recreational fisheries.

For the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Cod stock (NAFO Area 4TVn), a 300 t Total Allowable Catch (TAC) has been set to cover scientific and sentinel surveys, negotiated aboriginal food, social and ceremonial agreements, by-catch provisions for non-Cod directed fisheries and a limited recreational fishery.

Management Measures

In the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (3Pn4RS), please consult appropriate Conservation Harvesting Plans for specific management measures.

There will be no directed commercial fishery for southern Gulf Cod (4TVn) in 2011.

Links to other information

Gulf Region Groundfish Information Website:
http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/e0008344

Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index.htm

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada:
http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/