Primary Cod Stocks in the Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery
Transcript: Primary Cod Stocks in the Newfoundland and Labrador Recreational Groundfish Fishery
Hello, I'm Doctor Paul Regular, a research scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and today I'd like to tell you a little bit about the three primary cod stocks in the recreational groundfish fishery off of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cod, as we all know, is a species deeply woven into the culture and history of this province. And since the future of cod in our waters depends on careful management, Fisheries and Oceans Canada uses a framework based on three zones.
- First, the Healthy Zone, where the stock is strong and fishing can continue sustainably.
- Second, the Cautious Zone, where fishing may need to be reduced to prevent further harm.
- And the Critical Zone, where the stock is at very low levels and rebuilding becomes a top priority.
Of the three primary cod stocks, two are in the critical zone.
Northern Gulf Cod, which are caught off the west and south coast of Newfoundland and 3PS Cod, which are caught off the south coast of Newfoundland and around Fortune Bay, Placentia Bay. Both of these stocks face high natural mortality and weak recruitment, which slows growth.
In contrast, Northern Cod is no longer in a critical zone. The stock is caught on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, and southern Labrador and its levels have been stable since 2017.
Though significant growth is not expected in the near term, current levels are among the highest in decades.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to conduct valuable science, monitor these stocks, and support sustainable fisheries for today and future generations.
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